Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Regeneration

1.      The decision of the JSPC on the 6th July is noted and it is agreed, in principle, to provide a formal Council response through the consultation process.

2.      The options for agreeing such a formal response to the Joint Core Strategy and directing the way forward have been considered, with the option outlined 3.1.10 (c) being the preferred option.

Councillor Davies addressed the Cabinet and commented that he supported the growth as long as it was done in the correct way and that any late comments after the consultation were taken into account. He believed that was very important for the infrastructure to be in place before any building took place. The consultation should be used to ensure an even spread of employment and accommodation. He stated that if consultation was conducted correctly, the people of the Borough would know they were being listened to, discouraging campaigns and protests. He also believed that a maximum growth agenda should apply.

As relevant Portfolio Holder, Councillor Church presented the report to Cabinet and pointed out that the report was part of the joint work between the various authorities involved with the Joint Planning Unit. He agreed with Councillor Davies regarding the infrastructure and informed Cabinet that the Joint Planning Unit would conduct the consultation. It was noted that it was critical that members of the authority were able to consider and respond to the options and that all Councils involved would be doing the same. The decisions that were made would have an impact on future generations. Councillor Varnsverry noted that many people of the town accepted the need for growth however the extent of growth was worrying people. A full consultation would allow people to make their views known therefore encouraging people to be involved with the process.

RESOLVED

1. That Cabinet note the decision of the JSPC on 6 July and agree, in principle, to provide a formal Council response through the consultation process.
2. That after full consideration Cabinet adopt option 3.1.10(c); that the Emergent West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy be referred to Overview and Scrutiny for immediate scrutiny with a view to bringing a report to Full Council in September 2009.