Issue - meetings

In May 2012, the Local Development Plan Advisory Panel (LDPAP) agreed that work undertaken in preparation of the Core Strategy be incorporated into a Bromley Local Plan to comply with the Government’s Planning Reforms.  The report outlined the preferred strategy and options in relation to housing which would form the major part of the Living in Bromley section of the Local Plan.  Members were requested to agree the policy approach set out in the report for incorporation into the Local Plan Options and Preferred Strategy Consultation document.  The Executive would be requested to agree the document for consultation in early autumn.

The Chairman gave a brief outline of the report and stated that residents had been involved in the consultation process as suggested by the LDPAP.

Referring to Option 4A.3, Councillor Fawthrop raised concerns in relation to housing targets as developers were increasingly reporting that they could not viably include affordable housing in their schemes.  Councillor Fawthrop suggested that a clause be inserted to ensure that economic conditions were taken into consideration.  He also suggested that the words 'right to buy' and 'shared ownership' be incorporated into the option.  Councillor Jackson requested that a percentage of the 35% target be allocated to shared ownership and that where Housing Association developments were proposed, that a right to buy scheme was incorporated.  The Chairman responded that the issue of 'right to buy' could be dealt with individually at the time of application.

The Chairman referred to Option 4A.4 which stated that if more than 10 units were proposed, then the developer would be under an obligation to supply affordable housing.  In response, the Chief Planner informed Members that the London Plan needed a percentage or numerical target and option 4A.3 was preferred because the 35% target was what the Council achieved via the UDP period.  People disposing of and acquiring land should be aware of the constraints and whether a viability assessment had been undertaken.  The target of 35% worked effectively.  Large sites consisting of more than 10 units would be subject to a viability assessment.

Councillor Mellor commented on the importance of meeting targets and preferred to see a  target of 470 units over the plan period.  However, he did emphasise the need for the Council to remain mindful of the need to protect Green Belt land.

In response to a comment from Councillor Owen in relation to inappropriate development on residential gardens, the Chief Planner informed Members that Option 2A.4 recognised that development of residential gardens was not acceptable where it would cause harm to the residential area and prevented developers from using garden land for development.

Referring to paragraph 3.6.3, Councillor Ince noted there were no targets for intermediate/shared ownership.  The Chief Planner clarified that under the existing plan, the percentage split was 70/30 between social housing and other types of affordable accommodation and emphasised the importance of selecting the most suitable type of housing for individual sites. 

Councillor Joel welcomed the provision of housing designed for wheelchair accessibility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7