Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing in relation to the consultation process that had taken place between March and May 2017 on a number of draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and Information Notes.

Decision Made:      That Cabinet approve the  following recommendations:

(1)      that the following Supplementary Planning Documents and Information Notes be adopted by the Council:

          (a)      Land east of Maghull SPD (including the SEA Report).

(b)      Crosby Centre SPD

(c)      Nature Conservation SPD

(d)      Open Space SPD

(e)      Control of hot food takeaways and betting shops SPD

(f)       Developer contributions towards education provision Information Note

(g)      Mineral Safeguarding Information Note; and

2.       that from the date of this decision, the two SPD and SPG that will no longer apply be revoked, due to further policy development, as detailed in paragraph 1.4 to the report.

Reason for the Decision:

It is necessary for the Council to adopt the Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and Information Notes in order to provide clear and consistent guidance for developers and others about how the requirements of policies in the Sefton Local Plan will be interpreted and implemented. Similarly, as it is no longer necessary to refer to the Archaeology SPG and the Green Space, Trees and Development SPD, these need to be revoked so that people do not refer to out of date guidance.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The alternative would be not to adopt the SPDs and Information Notes. However, this is contrary to the requirements of the Sefton Local Plan, and would result in similar information being provided in relation to all relevant planning applications. In addition, if there were no adopted SPDs or Information Notes, the guidance would not be able to be given the same weight in the decision-making process as with the SPDs in place. This would also result in the inefficient use of resources.

Conversely, if the Archaeology SPG and the Green Space, Trees and Development SPD are not revoked, people will refer to out of date guidance, which could involve them and Council Officers in wasted time and expense.