Agenda and minutes

·         Role and significance of a Local Plan

Apologies were received from Councillor Mason and Councillor Windress

Members were briefed as to the purpose of the Local Plan Working Party and then given a presentation as to the purpose and role of the Local Plan.

·         Documents that form the Plan

·         Key policies

·         Recap – why we have the plan/policies that we have

·         What is liked/disliked (members/officers/partners/communities)

Members discussed the key issues to look at with the review of the Plan. These included:

Infrastructure

Local Need Occupancy Clause

Additional Housing Sites

Development Limits

Environment/Climate Change – including renewable energy generation and build targets

Distribution strategy

Public Health Agenda

·         Why we need a review

·         Strategic context (Sub Regional working/strategy; LEP – Growth Deal and Local Industrial Strategy)

·         Review process (evidence; consultation; co-operation with partners; stages in the process)

·         Formal stages

The reasons for a review were discussed and Members were informed of the review process. The timescale of the review was discussed and it was acknowledged that a number of technical evidence reports could be commissioned at earlier stages in the process. It was acknowledged that the time required to review the plan was a function of a number of things including the capacity of the planning service and the policy choices to be made. The risks associated with the plan process were also discussed.

·         Resources

·         Risks

·         Key RDC decisions (P&R and Council)

Concern was raised as to the staffing levels of the Planning department and it was acknowledged that the resources for the review would need to be considered as part of the budget setting process and service planning.

·         Member/Officer expectations

·         How to maximise effectiveness

·         Terms of reference/reporting procedures

There was a brief discussion about the role of the Working Party and the importance of its role in maintaining momentum in the process and in involving wider members of the Council throughout the process.

Members were also informed of the immediate next steps of the review, including the preparation of the Local Development Scheme (Project Plan) and Statement of Community Involvement.

The Working Party was keen to ensure that Ryedale District Council has the required resources to be able to deliver the plan quickly and effectively.

It was decided to hold the next Working Party meeting in the New Year, with the date of the meeting to be set nearer the time.

Meeting Closed 20:40