Report by the Senior Planning Policy Officers (attached).

The Senior Planning Policy Officer for NDDC explained the purpose of the Local Plan Review PID and explained the importance of the PID when reviewing the Local Plan. Members were provided with an overview of the current situation, and it was explained how this could impact the proposed timetable for the Local Plan.

Given the uncertainties with plan-making reforms, it was explained that the aim was to focus on work that would not be abortive, irrespective of what the finalised planmaking process. This would include looling at visioning work through 2024 and also elements of the evidence base that would be required and not likely to require future change or become quickly out-of-date.

The Senior Planning Policy Officer for NDDC went on to summarise the 11 objectives set out within the PID and provided overview of what was considered in scope and the areas out of scope in terms of the Local Plan development.

The proposed timetable was then highlighted for members, noting the key milestones and factoring in completion dates based on emerging Government advice.

Members were then advised of the workstreams for 2024. The uncertainties were noted in terms of the timetable and the work that is being progressed.

The Senior Planning Policy Officer for TDC reiterated the impact of uncertainties on the development of the Local Plan and explained how these would be managed and could be mitigated in planning the work programme. It was confirmed that members would be updated on the progress of the lessons learnt log at future meetings.

The recommendations of the report were highlighted and explained, and Members were asked for their questions.

Members asked how the Neighbourhood Priority Statements would be gathered and how would Town and Parish Councils be involved. The Senior Planning Policy Officer for TDC advised there was no detail on how these would look as yet. However, it was confirmed that Town and Parish councils would be asked to provide statements regarding the priorities for their areas in terms of the plan. The process used when preparing the adopted local plan was noted and it was explained that the current process would likely be similar.

There was a question regarding Design Codes and how much work would be involved. It was confirmed North Devon had received Planning Skills Development funding and this would be used for training on Design Codes. Members were advised this was in the early stages of being organised, and that the work would be resource intensive.

The Senior Planning Policy Officer for NDDC advised that the Government had indicated that they were going to kick off the new plan-making system with 10 pilot areas, followed by waves of 25 local authorities starting every six months.

Members noted the level of uncertainty with plan-making reformand asked if there was any clarity on when the second and third waves would be taking place. The Senior Planning Policy Officer for TDC explained that more specific timings were still an unknown at the time of the meeting. Members were advised of the consultation response provided by North Devon and Torridge – a copy of the joint letter was attached as an appendix.

Members highlighted the scope and section 4.4 of the report regarding Traveller Sites. A request was made that Van Dwellers be included within this categorisation, given the increasing numbers seen locally and the potential issues this presents. Officers noted the request.

Members raised the Project Manager vacancy and asked for detail on possible recruitment plans to be shared with members. The Planning Manager noted the importance of the role and it was explained that discussion at a Senior level was ongoing. The Head of Place, Property & Regeneration for NDDC recognised the need for expertise in Planning Policy in this role and advised of the potential options being considered. It was confirmed that conversations would continue to include Members.

Following questions regarding housing needs assessments, the Senior Planning Policy Officer for TDC confirmed that there is expected to be a need to prepare a Housing Economic Needs Assessment (HENA) or Housing Economic Needs Development Assessment (HENDA), but this was not scheduled as yet. It was explained that the preparation of this evidence needed to be timeed carefully and scheduled so it wouldn’t be out of date by the time of the Local Plan production. The need for evidence to demonstrate the need for accessible and adaptable homes was noted during discussion.

Councillor Roome left the meeting at 11.00am. At 11.06am Councillor Knight joined the Committee at the table and was advised he would be unable to substitute part way through a meeting or vote.

Members raised the Project Manager vacancy and asked for detail on possible recruitment plans to be shared with members. The Planning Manager noted the importance of the role and it was explained that discussion at a Senior level was ongoing. The Head of Place, Property & Regeneration for NDDC recognised the need for expertise in Planning Policy in this role and advised of the potential options being considered. It was confirmed that conversations would continue to include Members.

Following questions regarding housing needs assessments, the Senior Planning Policy Officer for TDC confirmed that there is expected to be a need to prepare a Housing Economic Needs Assessment (HENA) or Housing Economic Needs Development Assessment (HENDA), but this was not scheduled as yet. It was explained that the preparation of this evidence needed to be timed carefully and scheduled so it wouldn’t be out of date by the time of the Local Plan production. The need for evidence to demonstrate the need for accessible and adaptable homes was noted during discussion.

Councillor Roome left the meeting at 11.00am. At 11.06am Councillor Knight joined the Committee at the table and was advised he would be unable to substitute part way through a meeting or vote.

Following a discussion, a query regarding the impact of Biodiversity Net Gain and whether the potential to increase this [above the statutory requirements] was within the scope of the Local Plan. The Senior Planning Policy Officers agreed it was something for further consideration as part of preparing the new Local Plan.

Chair reviewed recommendations with Members.

It was proposed by Councillor Prowse, seconded by Councillor Bell and Resolved:

That Members of the Joint Planning Policy Committee:

1) endorse the Local Plan Review Project Initiation Document (Appendix 1) and associated Risks, Issues, Changes and Lessons Learnt Log (Appendix 2 attached to the report); and in doing so,

2) endorse the proposed programme of work to be carried out in advance of the formal commencement of plan-making (as per Table 1 of Appendix 1 attached to the report).

(Vote: For, Unanimous.)