Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Jane Bell, Damian Bretherton, Julie Buttery, Matt Campbell, Jon Hesketh, Mick Higgins, Cliff Hughes, Lou Jackson, Susan Jones, Caroline Moon, Peter Mullineaux, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, David Suthers, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner and Carol Woolridge. 

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item.

If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

No declarations of interests were made.

The Mayor updated members on his fundraising activities and charity events, including a Lancashire Day celebration, Santa dash and some lovely Christmas events. 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor thanked Gary Hall for his hard work and commitment to the Council as Chief Executive and wished him all the best for his retirement.

Members, including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster and the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton joined the Mayor in thanking Gary for his service. 

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

The Part One Preferred Options Paper along with the requisite supporting documents are currently being drafted.  This has involved a significant volume of work in a relatively short space of time, with input across officers from three Councils, and so we appreciate Elected Members patience in this being made available.

The Council report along with a word version of the Part One Preferred Options Document will be published no later than Tuesday, 6 December 2022.  The full designed version of the consultation paper will be published by Friday, 9 December 2022.

1.    To approve the Part One Central Lancashire Local Plan Consultation document (Appendix One) for consultation purposes,

2.    To note the supporting document The Site Selection Process; Housing and Employment Land Paper for publication (Appendix Two),

3.    To approve the refreshed Local Development Scheme (Appendix Three) for publication,

4.    To note the draft Schedule of Consultation Events (Appendix Four),

5.    To approve the process of consultation being undertaken for a period of ten weeks starting on Monday 19th December 2022 and closing on Friday 24th February 2023,

6.    To note this is the next steps is an emerging new Central Lancashire Local Plan and that it is therefore a material consideration for Development Management purposes to be afforded weight such as determined by the decision maker,

7.    To acknowledge the publication of the Written Ministerial Statement from The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP on 6th December 2022 regarding suggestions to make possible further changes to the planning system, alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. The statement does not represent a change to legislation or national policy and therefore the Central Lancashire Councils remain committed to progressing a new local plan, recognising that as and when changes are implemented by Government, our proposed policies relating to  housing need and proposals around housing supply, may be required to change. It is confirmed the Council will respond to any consultation on any proposals for changes.

The Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor James Flannery, presented the report of the Director of Planning and Development which sought approval to consult on Part One of a two stage Preferred Options version of the Central Lancashire Local Plan together with its associated documents and evidence base.  Chorley, South Ribble and Preston Councils would consider the same recommendations for approval throughout this week. 

National Government policy require all local planning authorities to have an up to date local planning policy in place.  It also requires it to be reviewed every 5 years. National legislation, policy and guidance sets out a prescriptive process for developing a new Local Plan.  The Core Strategy was now over 10 years old and the individual Local Plans were over 7 years old.

The preferred Options consultation was proposed to be undertaken in two stages, this initial Part One version being focused on the strategic components of the plan including the overall vision and objectives.  It also included site allocation proposals for housing and employment, which were advanced in site assessment, although may still be subject to change as the plan progresses.  A Part Two Preferred Options Consultation which would comprise of a full draft Local Plan, was proposed to be undertaken in Summer 2023.

A ministerial statement had been released last week and an additional recommendation had been circulated to acknowledge this. 

Members debated the proposals, including Councillors Karen Walton, Stephen Thurlbourn, Mary Green, Paul Foster, Michael Green, Matthew Tomlinson, Mick Titherington and Gareth Watson.

The plan making process was discussed, with the complexities around this and tight timescales to publish the documentation for this meeting and the calculation used to determine the housing need.  Discussions had been ongoing within the Local Plan Working Group and the Central Lancashire Joint Advisory Group for some months. 

The need to have a plan in place to control development, to consult on the proposals, for sustainable development, infrastructure (such as school places and doctor surgeries), to protect the greenbelt and carbon impact were considered. 

Members noted the need to build houses for people, the cost of living crisis and homelessness.  Residents and members were passionate about development in their own areas and noted intervention by central government in terms of planning inquiries and inspectors. 

It was proposed by the Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor James Flannery, seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster and subsequently

Resolved (by majority 19:12:1)

1.    To approve the Part One Central Lancashire Local Plan Consultation document (Appendix One) for consultation purposes,

2.    To note the supporting document The Site Selection Process; Housing and Employment Land Paper for publication (Appendix Two),

3.    To approve the refreshed Local Development Scheme (Appendix Three) for publication,

4.    To note the draft Schedule of Consultation Events (Appendix Four),

5.    To approve the process of consultation being undertaken for a period of ten weeks starting on Monday 19th December 2022 and closing on Friday 24th February 2023,

6.    To note  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.