Agenda item

The early stages of the local plan review will consider the economic development and rural policies.  The Cabinet Member wishes to seek advice of the group on the scope of this review process.

Officers reminded Members that the group had been notified of the indicative timetable for the HDPF review at its meeting in January 2017. The review was required by the Inspector to be underway by November 2018. Four topic areas had been brought forward, each of which was described in full in the HDPF, for review:

Policy 7:         Economic Growth

Officers explained that the policy as set out supported existing businesses on existing sites and made provision for a site on land north of Horsham. It also set out a framework for NDPs and provided a hook to identify additional sites. However, the challenges related to the ‘one size fits all’ locational strategy and a key consideration could be a separate employment locational strategy taking account of transport nodes and corridors.

Policy 9:         Employment Development

The group heard that the NPPF allowed key employment land to be protected, and a review was required to demonstrate need. The previous full review and designation of Key Employment Areas was undertaken in 2005 -2006 and officers advised that some sites did not meet current business need. Other sites had been lost to housing and conversely, different sites could now benefit from protection. Those could include new allocations on transport nodes. A comprehensive review was therefore required.

Policy 10:       Rural Economic Development

Officers explained that the policy had been carried forward from the Core Strategy with only limited updating. The broad thrust was still sound as it supported economic development in rural areas, but there was a need for ‘fine tuning’. For example, the lack of definition as to ‘substantial environmental improvement’ needed to be addressed and the reference to ‘established employment site’ rather than ‘industrial estate’ needed clarification.  Officers advised that further guidance on policy interpretation was required, rather than a wholesale rewrite. A specific policy on barn (or similar) conversions would also need to be addressed.

Policy 26:       Countryside protection

The group heard that the policy aimed to limit development in rural areas and retain the rural character of the countryside, which was an economic asset in that it attracted business and residents to the area. It was arguable that the policy prevented some small scale infill development which would help retain the vitality of rural areas.  Officers would be considering the identification of specific hamlets, unclassified settlements and housing groups where limited small scale infill could be appropriate. This was a relatively new approach based on research of how other authorities are dealing with the challenge of balancing the protection of the countryside whilst retaining the vitality of the rural area. There would also be a review of existing Built up Area Boundaries to ensure consistency and update where new developments have taken place.

At the invitation of the Chairman of the group, Members discussed:

·         Diversification of farming sites

·         Enforcement

·         Mitigating the impact of loss of large employers

·         Links to council and external strategies and plans, particularly to address infrastructure

·         Publication of the sites put forward for employment use (SHELAA)

Officers noted the views of members and explained that:

·         Diversification of farming sites was subject to the planning process, including permitted development

·         HDC had taken comparatively higher levels of enforcement action than other councils

·         Proactive review of policies would address economic growth and employment

·         That the employment chapter of the SHELAA would be made available in the coming weeks

The Chairman of the group surmised that an all-member seminar would be scheduled, prior to a Cabinet decision in September, to publish a draft plan for public consultation starting in October 2017.