Issue - meetings

Members considered the main implications for Bromley resulting from the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, the Local Planning Regulations 2012 and the Local Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 which, along with the London Plan, formed the administrative and legal framework for the development and application of planning policies within the Borough.  The proposed timetable for the development of the Borough’s Local Plan was also considered.

The Chairman gave a brief outline of the report and drew Members' attention to paragraph 3.10 relating to the Local Plan development timetable.

Referring to paragraph 3.5 of the report, Councillor Ince commented that some neighbourhood plans would be more suitable to Parish Councils and Shires.  He was concerned that residents’ associations and action groups may impede plans for improvement.  The Head of Planning Strategy responded that many residents' associations would be seeking to protect the quality of areas however, the Government introduced Neighbourhood Plans as part of their growth proposals and the expectation was that they facilitate growth.  All Neighbourhood Plans would have to be consistent with the Local Plan and would need to take cognisance of the London Plan.

With regard to pagraph 3.2, the following amendments were suggested:-

•  4^th bullet point - the words 'cultural infrastructure' should be replaced with 'school places'.

•  5^th bullet point - the words 'climate change' should be replaced with 'affordable energy'.

Members were informed that the housing targets would have to be set at a borough level and not determined in Neighbourhood Plans.  They were primarily to encourage development as an improvement to areas.

Councillor Fawthrop commented that continuous emphasis should be placed on the need for extra car parking facilities for future sustainability.

Subject to the comments and suggestions above, Members RESOLVED that the changes to national planning policy and local planning regulations be noted and the proposed revisions to Bromley's local plan development timetable be agreed.