Agenda and minutes

Apologies were given by Councillor Clark

Councillor Raper substitutes for Councillor Windress.

Councillor Frank had intended to remotely attend, but was unable to attend

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources (P&R) Committee is the chair of the meeting. In Cllr Clarks absence. Cllr. P Andrews moved that he would Chair the meeting and this was seconded by Cllr. Potter. Cllr Andrews was elected to chair the meeting for the evening.

Councillor Goodrick moved that the minutes of the last meeting showed a true likeness and could be approved.

Councillor Andrews seconded.

Minutes approved.

Plan Review Update and Questions for the Distribution Strategy Consultation

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update to members on the review of the plan and explore key options for the distribution strategy following the Call for sites Consultation, with the intention of a steer from members of the preferred course of action.

Update

Officers confirmed the intention to take a draft consultation document on a future distribution strategy to the November Policy and Resources Committee.

On-going work includes the compilation of the Sustainability Appraisal framework; evidence gathering; the commissioning of technical evidence; and the collation and mapping of sites submitted following the call for sites.

Approximately 279 sites have been submitted for consideration in the plan process. 240 for residential use. Sites are in 58 parishes. 62 sites are at the Market Towns.22 sites to provide for one dwelling. 111 for ten or fewer units. 21 large sites for 100 homes. Some sites have been submitted for 100% affordable housing.

Distribution Strategy

Officers outlined potential options for a future distribution strategy which would form the basis for consultation.

First option –the more explicit growth strategy focussed on towns and Principal Town in particular –the current approach is sustained

Second Option –more consolidated approach to accommodating growth across the towns and villages, including potentially additional villages

Both options are fit the general spatial approach of accommodating development at towns and villages which was considered to be sound.

The merits of both approaches were discussed within the context of LGR, devolution, national changes to the planning system; the delivery of affordable housing and improved build standards.

Officers of the view that the roles of places have not significantly changed since 2012, and that we are not in a position to make step changes to the roles of places given LGR in 2023.

Officers confirmed that the consultation documents would need to identify pros and cons of either approach to help an informed response (based on evidence and changes). The document needs to be clear on what we are trying to achieve in order to inform policy choices e.g. affordable housing delivery, improved environmental standards, development that is within the capacity of infrastructure/infrastructure improvements. Addressing heritage deficits and landscape management were also discussed.

Transport and connectivity, including broadband were considered important within the context of Option 2, together with local services if the trend for working from home increases. The potential for more building by smaller builders/developers who may be more inclined to build to higher environmental standards within this option was also noted.

Officers noted that Option 1 – our existing approach  could be difficult to repeat into the future as there is still the existing supply to be built out within this period, and significant delivery beyond this will represent a step-change for Malton and Norton in terms of infrastructure.

The option of a new settlement was raised. It was note that the delivery of a new village is a strategic decision with significant infrastructural requirements. At  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

Prepare the consultation material –which will set out the potential options for consultation in the autumn-this will be considered by the Working Party and then at 11 November P&R.

Consider findings of that consultation.

Publish a ‘key decisions paper’ for consultation in spring (April 2022) which will be a Policy and Resources decision.

Members agreed the next working party meeting for 14^th October 2021.

Meeting Closed 20:53