Agenda item

Council received the report of the Director of Environment and

Regeneration in relation to the Authority’s Local Development

Plan.  It was noted that the report had been commended to

Council by Cabinet on 25 June 2020.

Concern was expressed that the severe adverse weather

conditions at the beginning of the year and the Covid 19 lockdown

had prevented members, the public and stakeholders from

contributing to the consultation process.  The importance of

members’ input into the process would be highlighted in the

Delivery Agreement.  It was noted that the process to develop a

replacement LDP would take three and a half years and that the

current LDP would remain in place until its replacement had been

adopted.

In relation to the Covid 19 lockdown, it was felt that this had

highlighted the importance of localism, community spirit, improving

accessibility into the valleys to open them up and the environment. 

Members agreed that there was a need for the Plan to be flexible

and it was noted that the Plan’s flexibility would be assessed as

part of the tests of soundness.

Members received assurances that policies in relation to Houses in

Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) would be included in the Plan.  In

relation to small housing developments, it was noted that some

developments had not materialised and that this was perhaps due

to viability issues.  A review of the number of settlements and their

boundaries would also be undertaken.  It was noted that

deliverability was also a test of the soundness of the Plan.

The Covid 19 lockdown had resulted in many people working from

home and it was hoped that this could continue after lockdown

resulting in increased employment in valley areas.

RESOLVED:       That the responses and recommendations to the representations received, as set out in Appendix 1 to the circulated report, be agreed and that the final Review Report, as set out within Appendix 2 to the circulated report, be approved.