Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Breese. Councillor Bignell to replace Councillor

There were no declarations of interest.

Resolved:

(1)  That Councillor Mike Warren be appointed Chair of the Board for the 2019/2020 Municipal Year.

Resolved:

(1)  That Councillor Rebecca Breese be appointed vice-Chair of the Board for the 2019/2020 Municipal Year.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17^th December were agreed and signed as a true record

The Principal Spatial Planner presented a report and appended draft Issues Consultation for consideration by Members. He noted that the headings within the report set out the broad scope of the West Northants Strategic Plan. This would be updated and changed where necessary.

The Principal Spatial Planner advised of a factual change to the report and appendix; where page 22 of Appendix 1 referred to funding having been secured, it was in the process of being sought.

Members stated that interconnectivity had been damaged by the loss of public transport; stronger public transport links must be encouraged during the consultation.

The Board stated that Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges would likely generate the most comments, however the Principal Spatial Planner advised that this was out of their direct control, they were limited to flagging up any potential implications.

Responding to concerns around the interchanges, the Principal Spatial Planner stated that he was working to ensure that Northampton remained connected; the interchanges would provide an additional path into London.

The Board queried whether the general public would have the technical knowledge to answer some of the consultation questions. The Principal Spatial Planner stated that alternative wording for some of the questions could be looked at moving forwards.

The Chair noted the growing importance of technology and how it would drive the Strategic Plan. It was pointed out that infrastructure was generally lacking in terms of electric vehicle charging points, which was in turn putting off the public from investing in electric vehicles.

It was suggested that a new title for the consultation be created to generate interest. The Board discussed the engagement of young people and the energy and foresight their contributions could bring.

Responding to a question around new settlements, the Principal Spatial Planner explained that the Issues Consultation would take place before a series of potential options were looked at. The Board commented that it might be advisable to start earmarking potential locations at an earlier stage, depending on how successful the consultation was.

The Principal Spatial Planner stated that he would seek to make changes following comments from the Board.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Board gave their views on the draft Issues consultation document contained within the report, which would be incorporated into a final draft

(2)  That the final draft Issues consultation be presented to the relevant Committees of the partner Councils for their approval.

The Principal Spatial Planning Officer proposed to the Board that meetings be arranged on a quarterly basis, with a view of holding the next meeting in October/November.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That a schedule of quarterly meetings be arranged and circulated to all Board Members.

None.