Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report. 

RESOLVED –

1. That the independent examiner’s report on the Horsmonden Neighbourhood Development Plan (HNDP) at Appendix A be noted and published.

2. That following discussions with Horsmonden Parish Council the HNDP be modified as set out in Appendix B be approved.  In addition, changes to Policy 4.4 of the HNDP (as detailed in paragraphs 2.20 – 2.22) be included be approved.

3. That publication of the Decision Statement at Appendix C and a decision to progress the HNDP as set out in Appendix D to referendum be approved.

4. That the plan forms part of the statutory development plan for the Neighbourhood Area (Horsmonden Parish) immediately following a positive referendum outcome on the HNDP, with more than 50% of the vote, and does not have to wait until it is made.  That Cabinet then recommends to the Council that in the event that the referendum result on the HNDP is positive, the Council formally makes the HNDP as set out in Appendix D, which will subsequently be considered at the next Full Council post-referendum be approved. 

5. That the referendum will take place on 8 June 2023 and if passed will go to Full Council on 5 July 2023 be approved. 

REASON FOR DECISION:Approved Neighbourhood Plans become part of the development plan for the Borough and are a key document in the determination of planning applications that allow the local community to take responsibility for land use planning in their area.

Councillor Hugo Pound, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced Ellen Gilbert, Interim Planning Policy Manager who presented the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       Neighbourhood Plans sought to bring something extra to Planning Policy and to identify the needs of a particular parish. 

-       Horsmonden had sought to do this and had put a lot of work into the Plan to ensure it was fit for purpose and this was to be commended.

RESOLVED –

1. That the independent examiner’s report on the Horsmonden Neighbourhood Development Plan (HNDP) at Appendix A be noted and published.

2. That following discussions with Horsmonden Parish Council the HNDP be modified as set out in Appendix B be approved.  In addition, changes to Policy 4.4 of the HNDP (as detailed in paragraphs 2.20 – 2.22) be included be approved.

3. That publication of the Decision Statement at Appendix C and a decision to progress the HNDP as set out in Appendix D to referendum be approved.

4. That the plan forms part of the statutory development plan for the Neighbourhood Area (Horsmonden Parish) immediately following a positive referendum outcome on the HNDP, with more than 50% of the vote, and does not have to wait until it is made.  That Cabinet then recommends to the Council that in the event that the referendum result on the HNDP is positive, the Council formally makes the HNDP as set out in Appendix D, which will subsequently be considered at the next Full Council post-referendum be approved. 

5. That the referendum will take place on 8 June 2023 and if passed will go to Full Council on 5 July 2023 be approved. 

REASON FOR DECISION:Approved Neighbourhood Plans become part of the development plan for the Borough and are a key document in the determination of planning applications that allow the local community to take responsibility for land use planning in their area.

Deborah Dixon, Principal Policy Planning Officer, presented the report as set out in the agenda.

It was clarified by the Clerk at this point that Councillor Bailey, who had not been included in the roll call as a Member of the Planning & Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board, had been made a member of the CAB at Full Council on 5^th October 2022. He confirmed this and that he had no declarations of interest to make.

Questions and discussion from Members included the following:

-       The Neighbourhood Plan Working Party, steering group and Horsmonden Parish Council were commended by Members and the Chair for their good work and commitment.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.