Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Peter Bedford (Boston Borough Council), with Councillor Alison Austin substituting, David Scoot (Boston Borough Council), with Councillor John Baxter substituting,  Councillor Henry Bingham (South Holland District Council) and the Interim Local Plan Lead – Planning and Strategic Infrastructure.

Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of grant of dispensation.

No interests were declared.

To sign as a correct record the notes of the meeting of the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting held on 1^st July 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st July 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(A report by Phil Norman, Assistant Director - Planning and Strategic Infrastructure)

The Assistant Director – Planning & Strategic Infrastructure presented a report and accompanying presentation outlining the Government’s reforms to the planning system. The Committee was updated on the implications for both Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council, and the review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Key points from the presentation included:

·       Background and objectives of the reforms

·       Main changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

·       Impacts on housing delivery and the 5-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS)

·       New Standard Method housing figures

·       Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results

·       Proposals within the Devolution White Paper

·       Implications for the Local Plan Review

·       Conclusions and next steps

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Members queried the availability of funding to support the reforms. It was noted that funding would initially be drawn from existing local plan budgets, with further clarity expected from central government.

·       The potential for a hybrid strategic plan under a future Mayoral authority was discussed, though members acknowledged that structural details remained uncertain pending further policy announcements.

·       Concerns were raised regarding the availability of development sites and the risk that existing authorities may delay progress pending unitary reorganisation.

·       Members discussed the adequacy of resources, including officer time and consultancy support. It was confirmed that a service review had been undertaken and planning services would be aligned across the partnership.

·       The importance of maintaining both the quantity and quality of development was emphasised, particularly under tighter deadlines.

·       Members considered how to attract developers to meet increased housing targets and the need to identify new land for development.

·       Affordability and the cost of house purchases were discussed, with members noting the need for government intervention and clearer policy on affordable housing.

·       Concerns were expressed about developers securing land without building, and the additional costs associated with flood mitigation.

·       The use of reserve sites and the lack of guidance on their development were highlighted as risks.

·       Members expressed frustration at the lack of clarity from central government, particularly regarding the 30-month planning rule and the timeline for further announcements.

·       Members were understanding and supportive of the challenges with local plan making and were broadly supportive of the approach outlined.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Note:         No other business is permitted unless by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the minutes, the Chairman is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was no other business.