Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

The Interim Head of the Joint Planning Unit submitted a report that set out progress on the approved Local Development Scheme Programme and evidence based work streams to date and elaborated thereon.

In respect of the Northampton Landscape Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure Study in paragraph 1.14, the study would be published by the end of March. It was clarified that in the report to the previous meeting it had been stated that that the study would be completed by mid December 2008; this had been a reference to the completion of the first draft. This had been completed on time.

In respect of the Towcester and Brackley Landscape and Sensitivity and Green Infrastructure Studies in paragraph 1.14, the study would be published by the end of April. It was clarified that in the report to the previous meeting it had been stated that that the study would be completed by mid December 2008; this had been a reference to the completion of the first draft of the report. This had been completed on time.

 In respect of the West Northamptonshire Sports Facility Strategy in paragraph 1.15, it was noted that Sport England’s concerns had been of a technical nature. It was now anticipated that the study would be completed by the end of April. Although later than anticipated this had no inpact on the approved LDS milestones.

In respect of Pursuit of Evidence of Service Needs workstream in paragraph 1.16, it was noted that discussions had commenced with a variety of service providers including education and the PCT.

 In respect of West Northamptonshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment in paragraph 1.18, it was noted that the Level 1 report would be issued by the end of February. The procurement process for the Level 2 report for Northampton was now underway. The Level 2 reports for Daventry and South Northamptonshire had been sent to the Environment Agency for checking. In the report to the previous meeting it had been stated that the Level 1 report would be finalised in December 2008. This timescale had not been met as a result of delays in receiving comments from the Environment Agency.

In respect of the West Northamptonshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment, in paragraph 1.25 it was clarified that at the previous meeting  some additional viability assessment may be required and which might need to be commissioned early in 2009. This work would be needed for the Joint Core Strategy. This work was not required for the Affordable Housing SPD as this document provided interim supplementary policy guidance based on the Saved Adopted Local Plan Policies. The scope of the viability assessment work was being considered.

In answer to a question, the Interim Head of the Joint Planning Unit noted that discussions with utilities were underway in association with WNDC.  This would feed into an infrastructure plan that would include costings and planning steps.  Councillor Sandra Barnes noted particular problems at Silverstone in respect of utilities provision and noted that some villages throughout South Northamptonshire and Daventry were not on mains sewerage.  David Dickinson requested that the  Brown- field Land Assessment also be included in the evidence base.

The Chair enquired whether this information could be made available to members via an online library and it was noted that the JPU website was being reviewed with a view to making many of the documents referred to available. 

RESOLVED: That the progress on the approved Local Development Scheme milestones and the evidence based work streams be noted.