Unitary Development Plan - response to the Inspector's Report and proposed modifications
The Committee is recommended to consider and agree the Council’s response to the Unitary Development Plan Inspector’s report and proposed modifications to the Plan. Members should note that the responses and modifications will be considered by the Executive on 21 March 2006. A copy of the schedules of responses and modifications will be placed in the Members Room. The committee is asked to recommend to the Executive that the schedule be agreed and placed on deposit for public consultation. A presentation of the key issues will be made to the Committee.
Minutes:
The Assistant Director (PEPP) presented the Council’s response to the Inspector’s Report which was due to be considered by the Executive on 21 March 2006. Members were asked to note the following amendments to the report:
1. Whilst the 70/30 split will no longer appear in the UDP, reference will be made to an SPG which will contain the relevant target percentages for different parts of the borough.
2. With regard to Open Space; officers recommended that we do not delete operational railway land from green/ecological corridors but the policy be amended to allow consideration be given to developments for operational purposes where appropriate.
3. That transport proposals where there is no financial commitment be deleted but reappear at the introduction section.
4. That all reference to tall buildings includes a specific reference to Town Centres. Members noted that the Mayor’s definition of a tall building was 30 metres (approx 10-12 storeys).
In response to member’s questions, the Assistant Director advised that the Highgate Bowl was not considered as SLOL as it did not meet the criteria and was considered to have sufficient protection and success in appeal cases. Members were advised that UDP policy protected all open space, including undesignated areas.
In respect of saturation of commercial premises in certain areas, there had to be evidence available that harm would be caused by the over concentration. Members were advised that in some cases, ie. restaurants, this could actually enhance an area. This policy also applied to hostels.
St Anne’s hospital would be subject to a planning brief and funding for the Heartlands spine road was announced last week.
A member steering group would be set up to consider Housing SPG but it was likely that the June adoption date would be met.
RESOLVED
1. That the Inspector’s report and officer recommendations in the response be noted with the amendments (1-4) as set out above.
2. That the modifications proposed be recommended to the Executive of 21 March and made available for public consultation during April and May. It was noted that it was consultation during the purdah period was permitted.