Notice of Motion by Councillor Robertson
To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Robertson:
“This Council:
(1) congratulates the Government on abandoning the artificial targets for housing imposed in the Regional Spatial Strategy by the previous administration;
(2) recognises the fact that Sefton MBC can currently identify sites that will meet identified housing demand for the next ten years without encroachment on green belt land;
(3) notes the present Council policy against green belt development;
(4) acknowledges that Sefton MBC is required to present a broad indication of housing supply for the years beyond 2021 and, in connection with this, instructs the officers to quantify:
a- the increase in the number of households which would be obtained by reducing the number of empty properties in Sefton to the national average
b- the potential increase in accommodation achievable through progressing ‘homes above shops’ and contraction in retail space with re-designation of property to housing
c- the potential impact of further windfall ‘brownfield’ or derelict sites and possible impact of variations in household and dwelling mix per hectare. “
Minutes:
The Mayor reported that a guidance note produced by the Head of Corporate Legal Services had been circulated around the Council Chamber on the current legal position on pre-determination and pre-disposition to assist Members during the debate on the motion submitted by Councillor Robertson.
She also referred to the current timetable for the adoption of the Core Strategy by late 2014, produced by the Head of Planning Services, which had been circulated to Members of the Council on the previous evening for information and indicated that reports on the Core Strategy would be submitted to future meetings of the Council.
It was moved by Councillor Robertson, seconded by Councillor Ashton:
“This Council:
(1) congratulates the Government on abandoning the artificial targets for housing imposed in the Regional Spatial Strategy by the previous administration;
(2) recognises the fact that Sefton MBC can currently identify sites that will meet identified housing demand for the next ten years without encroachment on green belt land;
(3) notes the present Council policy against green belt development;
(4) acknowledges that Sefton MBC is required to present a broad indication of housing supply for the years beyond 2021 and, in connection with this, instructs the officers to quantify:
a- the increase in the number of households which would be obtained by reducing the number of empty properties in Sefton to the national average
b- the potential increase in accommodation achievable through progressing ‘homes above shops’ and contraction in retail space with re-designation of property to housing
c- the potential impact of further windfall ‘brownfield’ or derelict sites and possible impact of variations in household and dwelling mix per hectare. “
An amendment was moved by Councillor Sir Ron Watson, seconded by Councillor Doran, that the content of the motion be noted and not formally approved
Following debate, on a show of hands, the Chair declared that the amendment was lost by 19 votes to 3.
Following further debate, on a show of hands, the Chair declared that the original Motion was lost by 26 votes to 19 and it was
RESOLVED:
That no action be taken on the Motion.