Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 11 November 2019

The notes of the previous meeting held on 11 November were received.

To update the Group on progress in delivering the key Strategic Sites allocated in the adopted Horsham District Planning Framework (ie Novartis, North of Horsham, East of Billingshurst and at Southwater)

The Head of Development updated the Group on progress on allocated strategic sites since the previous meeting.

Land North of Horsham: Reserved matters application for Bohunt School had been granted, with work scheduled to begin after the completion of the required ecology surveys.  Related roadworks were being progressed and the Group were advised that these would be ready when the school opens in 2021. 

The Director of Place agreed she would speak to Legal & General, the developer, regarding the need for cycling provision to comply with the site wide cycling strategy.

Southwater: The application for the final phase, Phase 5, had been received.  The development’s sports facilities were now open to the public.  

Billingshurst: The first two phases were progressing well.  Officers were in discussion with the developers regarding the third phase, the permission of which is due to expire shortly.

Land East of Billingshurst: The developers were meeting their obligations, with over 470 dwellings approved.

Kilnwood Vale: The on-site school had opened, and reserved matters applications for the second and third phases approved.

Highwood: Work on the southern section of the site was continuing.  It was noted that the housing mix had been amended to include a greater proportion of smaller properties and that a majority of Affordable Housing had already been delivered.  The Group were advised that West Sussex County Council considered the delivery of the fire station a priority.

Novartis: Discussions with the applicant on finalising the legal agreement were in progress.  Some businesses had already expressed an interest in the employment floor-space that would be included on the site.

The Director of Place agreed to discuss health facility requirements across the north of the district with the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). 

To update the Group on the progress of the Local Plan Review Proposed Strategy and to discuss the proposed consultation programme

The Head of Strategic Planning gave a presentation on the ‘Local Plan Review 2019 - 2036 Consultation Document’, If approved for consultation, the period for comment would run from 17 February to 30 March 2020. 

The consultation document has a similar structure to the current Local Plan, and the Group noted the main sections of the document, which included: key principles and objectives; policies for growth and change; economic development; housing, including proposed smaller and larger strategic sites and affordable housing; natural environment; development quality and design; and climate change and energy efficiency.

The Cabinet Member stated that the revised Local Plan would give the Council control over future development. She stressed the importance of the consultation process in informing the next stage of the Local Plan review and that the content of the document is not Council policy and is very much to seek the views and comment.

The Communications and Marketing Officer outlined the measures being taken to raise awareness and helping residents keep informed during the consultation process, through a number of channels including leaflets, the HDC newsletter, digital media and targeted advertising.  The Group agreed that this communication strategy, including the option to sign-up for electronic updates, was an effective way to encourage community engagement.

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

The extract from the Forward Plan was noted.

The Head of Building Control joined the meeting to brief the Group on the current government consultation on a Future Homes Standard, which runs until 7 February.   The Future Homes Standard is intended to help future-proof new build homes with low carbon heating and energy efficiency requirements. 

The Head of Building Control and the Director of Place sought the views of the Group, in particular in relation to a proposed amendment to the Planning and Energy Act 2008.  This amendment related to the role of local planning authorities in setting energy efficiency standards for dwellings.   

A briefing note and copy of the consultation would be distributed to the Group after the meeting.