TITLE OF REPORT      FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT-LDF WORKING PARTY

 

To:                               Overview and Scrutiny Panel 11th May 2010

 

By:                               Cllr Mrs I Johnston and Cllr M Jarvis

 

Classification:              Unrestricted.

 

 

 

Summary:                   This report informs Members of the work of the Local Development Framework Working Party and recommends its continuation

 

For Decision

 

 

1.0       Introduction and Background

 

1.1       The LDF Working Party was established with the following terms of reference:

 

            I           To examine the process of developing the Local Development Framework.

 

Ii           To consider whether the documents proposed for submission to the Secretary of State are “sound” (Legally compliant, justified, effective and compliant with national policy).

 

2.0       The Current Situation

 

2.1       The working party met twice in October and November 2009 and a comprehensive report was presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel on 26th January 2010.

 

2.2       We looked at the process of how the Local Development Framework had been drawn up and were satisfied that, on the evidence presented, appropriate procedures had been followed to date. We had the opportunity to view the relevant documents and consider that they are “sound.”

 

2.3       In respect of consultation we requested that all parish and town councils be written to again. This was done and we are aware that officers have met with those councils requesting a meeting.

 

2.4       The Local Development Framework is a continuing piece of work. The Cliftonville Development Plan Document has now been adopted by Council and at the time of writing the Developer Contributions Supplementary Document is due to be considered by Council on 22nd April.

 

2.5       The main piece of current work is the Core Strategy which it is intended will be considered by Cabinet and Council later this year. A Cabinet Advisory Board will meet as necessary to consider changes to the document before it is agreed for public consultation and for submission to the Secretary of State.

2.6       We agreed with officers that the process to date had been mutually beneficial. It is therefore considered that the LDF Working Party has a role to play in monitoring the process over the next few months and  it is recommended that a meeting should  be arranged before the report is presented to Cabinet, recommending changes to the document, and to discuss proposed public consultation procedures prior to submission.

 

3.0       Options

 

3.1       That the report is accepted and the Working Party continues or that the Working Party is discontinued

 

4.0       Corporate Implications

 

4.1       Financial

 

4.1.1    The Working Party is organised and arranged by the officers preparing the LDF.

           

4.2       Legal

4.2.1    There are no direct legal implications arising from the Working Party’s agenda.

 

4.3       Corporate

 

4.3.1    Delivery of the Local Development Framework is a corporate priority.

 

4.4       Equity and Equalities

 

4.4.1    The majority of documents forming part of the LDF are subjected to an Equality Impact Assessment as appropriate.

 

5.0       Recommendation

 

5.1              That the report is received and that a meeting of the Working Party is arranged before the next report on the LDF Core Strategy is presented to Cabinet.

 

6.0              Decision Making Process

 

6.1              This is a non-key decision to be made by Overview and Scrutiny Panel

 

Meeting:  Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Date: 11 May 2010

Contact Officer:

Colin Fitt, Strategic Planning and Conservation Manager

Reporting to:

Brian White, Director of Economic Development and Regeneration