Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 16 January 2023.

The notes of the previous meeting held on 16 January were received.

To consider the Council’s draft consultation response to the proposed reforms to national planning policy  

The Group were updated on the draft NPPF Consultation response document from the Senior Strategic Planning Officer. PDAG Members had received and reviewed the document prior to the meeting.

Planning Officers were largely supportive of changes, including the adoption of a Local Plan where the five-year land supply is unchallengeable. Another positive proposal was greater prominence allocated to Neighbourhood Plans. Concerns were raised regarding heightened restrictions on using allocated Green Belt land as this could increase housing pressures without such designations.

Members were largely supportive of the Councils proposed response. Discussion considered increasing the strength and weight allocated to Neighbourhood Plans and to the impact of Green Belt restrictions on HDC. Concerns were also raised about National Standards and National Development Control Policies. Officers noted points raised.

Consideration was also given to water neutrality, standard methodology of housing targets and a local strategic gap policy.

Members were advised that further additional planning system consultations were being proposed by government and would take place over the next year or so.

Members were asked to provide any additional feedback by 22 February to meet the consultation response deadline.

Following the concerns raised at Full Council regarding sewerage management, and similar concerns raised by other Councils in the South East, a Local Authority Stakeholder Group has been established with approximately 40 local authorities across the Southern Waster catchment area. The first meeting has taken place and officers will update the Group on actions so far, the outcome of the meeting and likely next steps.

Following concerns raised at Full Council regarding sewerage management, and similar concerns raised by other Councils in the Southeast, a Local Authority Stakeholder Group and working group had recently been established with approximately 40 local authorities across the Southern Water catchment area.

The Head of Development and Building Control presented on the first stakeholder meeting which addressed the impact of Southern Water sewage disposal.

Wealden Council are leading on this issue and were requesting more detailed information on sewerage infrastructure at planning application stage from Southern Water.

Wealden Council and Southern Water had agreed to trial a different approach to include specific areas of an application, such as which sewage works would facilitate the new development, any past issues, capacity and committed development.

It was noted however that further clarity was required to how this information could be used within the current planning system.

Arun District Council will represent West Sussex in the working group and quarterly meetings will take place with all stakeholders. The Head of Development & Building Control invited a Member from the PDAG to attend these meetings alongside her and the Chairman endorsed this idea.

Members were positive that issues were being addressed and acknowledged that more information would be available over the coming months. The Group will be updated at future meetings.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Planning and Development Portfolio

The forward plan extract was noted.