To approve the “Place Shaping Paper” as a consultation document on the emerging Core Strategy, and to agree an outline of the consultation arrangements.

Note:    The consultation document will be forwarded separately to the agenda.

The Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing presented the Local Development Framework (LDF) report and consultation document on the core strategy.  He advised that it was a significant document which replaced the current Unitary Development Plan and requested Cabinet endorse the document as fit for purpose for consultation.  He reminded Cabinet that every Member of Council would have received a draft copy and that the options would not be finalised until after the consultation process had been completed. 

Members were reminded of the need to encourage Parish Councils to review the document, seek their views and for Members to reflect those views back to the LDF meetings.  It was emphasised that the document was a starting point to incorporate all views.  The Planning Policy Manager advised that it was important for the public to be aware:

• that the launch event scheduled for 18 January 2010 would be held at the Kindle Centre and was the start of the consultation process;
• that the document contained all the major principles and would look at Housing distribution growth areas;
• that Members needed to ensure their communities were fully involved
• that it was important in terms of communities, infrastructure, provision of affordable housing and the provision / sustainability of services in growth areas.

The Cabinet Member advised that all options for future development sites would be looked at and he encouraged Members to bring any issues to the LDF meetings.

The Leader drew Cabinet’s attention to a letter received from Councillor Dawe and advised that the LDF consultation was carried out in the same way as other authorities, emphasising that the consultation was to establish where new housing developments could to be sited along the supply of some affordable housing.

RESOLVED

                        THAT:

                        (a)        the Place Shaping Paper as a consultation document on the emerging Core Strategy, Hereford Plan and Market Towns and Rural Areas Plan be approved;

                        (b)       the Head of Planning and Transportation be delegated (in consultation with the Cabinet Member) any further minor text changes; and

                        (c)        the outline consultation details, including the dates for the formal consultation period of Monday 18 January to Friday 12 March 2010 be approved.