Issue - meetings

Mary Manuel, LBB Head of Planning Strategy

The Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support provided an update on the development of planning policy in the Borough on behalf of the Head of Planning Strategy.  The National Planning Policy Framework had been published on 27^th March 2012, and further guidance was awaited on the potential to move to developing a Local Plan rather than a Core Strategy. The evidence base and consultation on the draft Core Strategy Issues document undertaken during Summer 2011 would be used for the Local Plan rather than a Core Strategy if Members agreed to take this approach.

There was still a requirement for the Council to be in general conformity with the London Plan and apply the London Plan policies. Key areas of interest for the Economic Partnership in this plan included the provision of employment land, business areas and the town centres, as well as broader quality of life issues which would affect businesses. As options were developed around business and employment land, key stakeholders would be consulted and Members of the Economic Partnership were asked to contribute to this discussion.

It was noted that a progress report around the development of planning policy in the Borough would be provided to the next meeting of the Partnership.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Mary Manuel, LBB Head of Planning Strategy

The Partnership received an update on Bromley’s Core Strategy. Issues of particular importance for the Partnership included the need to protect and promote employment land and the focus on business areas at Biggin Hill.