Agenda item

(Report of the Portfolio Holder for Skills, Planning, Economy & Waste)

The Portfolio Holder for Skills, Planning, Economy and Waste introduced the Report to seek the Committee’s endorsement of the proposals and recommendations to be made to Cabinet in respect of the launch of an issues and options consultation as part of the development of the new local plan for Tamworth.

The Committee commented and sought clarifications in the following areas:

1.    The Committee reiterated the importance of as much community engagement and consultation as possible during this process.  The Committee suggested that as many different means of engagement be utilised as possible to support community involvement and understanding of the process, including digital methods.

2.    It was noted that it was important for members of the public to understand that this was the time for their involvement on proposals and that the document needed to be transparent in terms of the scale of housing need in the Borough which under the Standard Method demonstrated a need to deliver 2961 homes by 2043, and whether the figures could be highlighted earlier in the document.

3.    Clarification was sought on whether the figures for average house price in the Borough were up to date and it was agreed that this would be reviewed and the report would be updated to include the date for the relevant figure.

4.    In terms of the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain statement at 6.1.3 whether it would be possible to include within the Local Plan a statement to not unnecessarily remove trees or hedgerows from boundaries of our developments.  It was noted that this was an item for discussion later on the committee’s agenda as well.

5.    In terms of the green belt, it was reported that whilst this had to be included within the options, it would be the last resort.

6.    The Committee queried whether in terms of affordable homes and the amount of these on qualifying developments whether there should be further evidence / guidance available to help the public decide on the balance between affordable homes versus additional infrastructure given limited resources.  It was reported that at this early stage, the Council was seeking the initial views of the public in relation to this balance and that further evidence would be made available through the process.

7.    The Committee considered that the wording at 6.2.6 (i) needed further consideration and clarification.  The Committee questioned the current wording and whether it accurately reflected the current position. The Portfolio Holder clarified that this point related to permanent sites, and that this would be reworded.  It was agreed that, following relevant updates to explain the different types of provision (permanent traveller sites and migratory traveller sites), the wording of this document would be re-circulated to the Committee members to check the wording.

8.    Whether there could be further consideration given to building houses for rent and for affordable rental property in the Borough, and whether there was evidence on the need within the Borough for more affordable rental properties.  It was reported that a joint assessment with Lichfield District Council had been undertaken in 2019 which did identify a large need for further affordable homes.

RESOLVED that the:

1. Committee endorsed the recommendation for Cabinet to approve the issues and options public consultation based on the document set out in Appendix A with the amendments as discussed by the Committee; and
2. Committee endorsed the recommendation for Cabinet to delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Growth and Regeneration to make any final typographical and formatting amendments to the document prior to publication.

(Moved by Councillor R Ford and seconded by Councillor M Cook)