·         To consider the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy 2011 – 2031 for pre-submission publication, in accordance with regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (as amended), prior to its consideration at full Council on 19 July 2013; and

·         To refer the Plan to Council with a recommendation that, following the completion of the pre-submission publication period and consideration of duly made representations, it be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent testing in accordance with section 20(3) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012. 

The Cabinet Member Environment, Housing and Planning presented the draft Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy 2011 – 2031 (“the Plan”) for pre-submission publication, in accordance with regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (as amended) prior to its consideration at full Council on 19 July 2013. 

He also reported that the Plan would be referred to Council with a recommendation that, following the completion of the pre-submission publication period and consideration of duly made representations, it be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent testing in accordance with section 20(3) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.

In addition, he made the following points:

·      The Plan had taken account of the views of all those who responded to the consultation, although due to its breadth of subject matter and its complexity, it had not been possible to reflect all opinions expressed.  It was important to note, however, that all views had helped to test and shape the thinking behind the current draft.  He expressed his thanks to the public, members and officers who had taken part in the consultation and preparation process. 

·      He expressed a view that the Plan, along with the new cattle market, the redevelopment of the old market site, the development of an urban village and the enterprise zone, were all essential for the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the Herefordshire, and were to be viewed as a whole, rather than as a series of individual plans.  He said that the Plan fully supported the Localism Act and created opportunities for communities to take greater control of their local area. 

·      He cited the extensive research and seven public consultations that had been undertaken prior to the current Plan being produced, as a sound basis for the proposals contained in the Plan, and he reminded members that, once agreed, the Plan would be subject to review throughout its life.  He said that the recently published “Understanding Herefordshire 2013: An integrated needs assessment” was further evidence that the Plan needed to be taken forward, along with a demonstrable housing shortage and comparatively low economic output and wage levels. 

·      The Plan recognised the value and importance of environment, buildings, landscape, towns, villages and the rural way of life, and was reinforced by the commitment that the Council had made to Neighbourhood Planning.  He felt that this combination offered the best opportunity for communities to shape their own development within the overarching strategic direction provided by the Local Plan - Core Strategy.

The Assistant Director Economic, Environment & Cultural Services tabled an additional schedule of amendments to the Plan, which had arisen as a result of further briefings with local ward members after the agenda had been published, and were to be included with the rest of the tracked changes in the document.  He also made the following additional comments:

·      The consultation responses referred to in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14