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Minutes – Planning and Conservation Committee – 4 March 2020

The minutes of this meeting are presented below.

You can also download a PDF copy of the minutes here: Minutes – Planning and Conservation Committee – 4 March 2020

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2020 AT 5.30PM

PRESENT:

  • Councillor Joy (Chairman)
  • Councillor Bell
  • Councillor Bowden
  • Councillor Gaskin

EX-OFFICIO:

  • The Mayor (Councillor Plowman)
  • The Deputy Mayor (Councillor J Hughes)

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Norrell
  • Councillor Scicluna

IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Planning Adviser
  • Mayoral/Administrative Assistant

ABSENT:

  • Councillor Apel

117. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

As recorded above.

118. MINUTES

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2020 having been printed and circulated were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

119. UPDATE FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

Any actions arising from the previous Minutes were included on the Agenda

120. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING

The Mayor and Councillors Bell and Bowden, as members of Chichester District Council, declared a Personal Interest. The Mayor declared a Personal Interest as a member of the CCAAC.

121. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – UPDATE ON PROGRESS

(Special Council Minute 63, 64 and 65 refer)

The Planning Adviser referred to the Special Meeting of Council held recently to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan and reminded members of the approval of the spending so far on the Neighbourhood Plan. This included a number of studies to provide information and evidence to underpin policies of the Neighbourhood Plan, and the support of a specialist Neighbourhood Plan consultant who would provide process mapping as well as training for Steering Group and Working Group members.

Advice from the specialist Neighbourhood Plan consultant is being sought in relation to the possibility of introducing a climate change Neighbourhood Plan in advance of a full Neighbourhood Plan. This is so that any urgent policies which would protect our environment could be adopted without being delayed by more general policies which may take longer to develop. The consultant will also look into whether the Neighbourhood Plan process allows for this type of phasing.

The approved studies include a Carbon Output and Reduction study and a Trees and Green Spaces study. A physical feasibility study relating to a Basin Road over/underpass was referred back to the Steering Group to first consider whether sufficient work had already been undertaken by Chichester District Council. An officer from Chichester District Council would provide the relevant information as soon as possible.

Working Groups will be set up shortly with a training event to take place within the next few weeks to ensure that all members of the groups are clear about their remit and the desired outcomes. This will be an issues and options paper, detailing the issues, problems, opportunities, potential solutions and any necessary further information on their relevant subjects. Anyone could volunteer to join any of the Working Groups and invitations had been extended to Councillors and the public. Invitations would also be sent via the Residents Associations.

The Planning Adviser would update the Committee accordingly and any request for funding would be referred to Full Council for approval, via the Finance Committee.

122. CHEMROUTE – A SAFER CYCLE ROUTE FROM CHICHESTER TO EMSWORTH – THE CYCLE FORUM – UPDATE

Counciilor Sharp had been unable to attend the meeting and Councillor Gaskin therefore reported on this item.

Councillor Gaskin said that the project was being led by West Sussex County Council and a Feasibility Study was to be completed before the scheme could be costed. Parishes had been asked to make a financial contribution to the scheme which could be from CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) resources.

Members were asked to consider the benefits of the scheme and the funding implications and the Committee were supportive.

It was therefore RESOLVED to agree, in principle, to the allocation of CIL funds, for that proportion within the Parish boundary, subject to a precise amount being agreed by the Finance Committee.

123. TREE SUMMIT 2 TO 4 APRIL 2020 – UPDATE ON PROGRESS

The Planning Adviser said that the invitations had now been sent out to all landowners, retailers and other interested parties inviting them to attend the first day (conference) of the Tree Summit on 2 April 2020. Other organisations with a potential interest had been invited to attend the public days on the 3 and 4 of April 2020. She said that around 30 delegates had responded advising their attendance.

The Mayoral/Administrative Assistant said that letters (and entry forms) had also been sent to all Schools inviting them to take part in the “My Favourite Tree” competition being run as part of the Tree Summit.

The Mayor said that the Tree Summit was an excellent initiative for the City Council.

It was RESOLVED to note the current situation.

124. WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL’S CHICHESTER PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLIC CONSULTATION (13 FEBRUARY 2020 TO 5 MARCH 2020)

The Planning Adviser gave a visual presentation on this item. She explained that the issues extended beyond planning and that comments on any aspect of the scheme must be submitted to West Sussex County Council by 5 March 2020.

Councillors expressed a number of concerns about the scheme as follows:

  • proliferation of street signage;
  • impact on certain sections of the community, particularly elderly or less able residents, those with caring responsibilities or health issues, unemployed residents and part-time workers;
  • the effectiveness and proportionality of the proposed scheme and the assessment process for it and any alternatives;
  • the potential implementation of the scheme, which should consider phasing zone-by-zone as well as phasing of the release of permits to manage the impact of the scheme and to ensure permits were not oversold.

The Planning Advisor would prepare the City Council’s response reflective of Councillors’ concerns.

RESOLVED that the Planning Adviser take the necessary action.

125. ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE NEXT AGENDA

  • Neighbourhood Plan – update
  • Chairman’s request to Change the day of the Planning Committee

126. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 1 April 2020 at 5.30pm

The meeting closed at 6.24pm.

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