Issue - meetings

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Report DRR16/059

At its meeting on 11^th July 2016 the Development Control Committee had considered the draft Local Plan Document prior to a six week consultation and submission to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.The Draft Local Plan built on the previous stages of consultation on the emerging Local Plan; the Core Strategy Issues Document (2011), the Options and Preferred Strategy (2013), the Draft Policies and Designations (2014), the Draft Site Allocations and Further Policies and Designations (2015) and Draft Local Green Space consultation (2016). It took into account consultation responses and the evidence base supporting the plan-making process and was prepared in general conformity with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (March 2012) and the London Plan 2015 as amended by the 2016 minor alterations.

Three sets of supplementary papers, including a summary of specific changes made following consideration by Development Control Committee, had been circulated.

The following issues were raised –

Chapter 3 – Spatial Strategy

A Member asked whether all the land designated as Green Belt had been examined to ensure that it was actually worthy of such a designation. Officers referred to the Options and Preferred Strategy document and The London Plan. The National Planning Policy Framework and The London Plan did not allow Green Belt designation to be removed without exceptional circumstances. It was accepted that the quality and character of Green Belt land could vary.

Chapter 4 - Living in Bromley

Page 82 – Housing Supply

The possibility that had been raised at Development Control Committee of transferring provision for the bus station at Bromley North to the Hill Car Park site to allow for more residential development at Bromley North, and it was suggested that the possibility of moving the bus stands be included. It was accepted that this was a complicated site with multiple ownership and disputes about height and density of development, and there was intense pressure to develop around railway sites.

Page 87 - Provision of Affordable Housing

A concern was raised about whether the policy was clear enough on the justifications for not providing affordable housing being exceptional.

Page 105 - Specialist and Older People’s Accommodation - Supporting Text

A Member queried whether the benchmarks for provision of specialist and older people’s accommodation for Bromley at 140 units per annum might lead to an inflow of people with high needs. It was clarified that this was supporting text rather than policy or a target, and based on demographics.

Chapter 5 - Supporting Communities

Page 125 - Opportunities for Community Facilities

A Member queried whether the Council was duty-bound to provide for community facilities in vacant buildings. Officers advised that this was a matter of planning policy rather than a duty.

Page 127 – Social Infrastructure in New Developments

It was suggested that convenience stores should be included as an example of a useful community facility. There was a concern that this might be too specific, and imply that other facilities should be excluded, but Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51

Report DRR16/059 – (Page references in these Minutes refer to the DCC agenda unless otherwise stated)

Members were requested to endorse the Draft Local Plan, subject to alterations agreed by the Chief Planner in consultation with the Leader of the Council and finalisation of supporting documents, for a six weeks consultation in compliance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012.

The Chairman directed discussion through the sections contained in the Draft Local Plan.  The following comments and proposed amendments were made by Members for the purposes set out in the recommendations:-

Chapter 1 - Introduction

·  Page numbers to be included against each chapter listed on page 61.

·  Agreed that a general description of areas within the Borough (i.e. suburban, urban, rural) be added to the introduction section.

Chapter 2 – Vision and Objectives

The Chairman referred to the ‘boxed’ text on page 70 (Vision – Bromley 2031) which had been strengthened in regard to the protection and enhancement of conservation areas and heritage assets within the Borough.

·  Design and the Public Realm (page 72) – It was agreed that a clarified definition such as ‘good quality’ public art be included to avoid any misunderstanding that graffiti may be considered as such.

Chapter 3 - Spatial Strategy

This chapter focused on employment and growth of specified areas such as the economic growth of the Biggin Hill SOLDC, the Cray Business Corridor and changes to Green Belt boundaries in regard to education sites.

·  It was noted that whilst taking land from the Green Belt to accommodate the expansion of schools was not ideal, some protection would be retained by its reclassification as Urban Open Space or Metropolitan Open Land.

·  Page 77 - Members voted in favour of this paragraph being amended to read:- Paragraph 5: ‘The London Plan 2015 imposes the minimum housing target …’

·  Conformity with the London Plan (page 77) - It was noted that the forecasted increase in employment growth of 13.6% incorporated all methods of employment including home working.

Chapter 4 – Living in Bromley

The Council would provide a minimum of 641 additional homes per annum.  The Housing Supply Policy identified and allocated sites for residential development and outlined the timescales involved in delivering schemes.  The Greater London Authority was satisfied that Bromley was achieving its housing target. 

·  It was necessary for a predicted number of units to be set against each development scheme as a way of planning how housing targets could be met. 

·  It was suggested that the proposed bus station development at Bromley North could be transferred to nearby sites.  The Chief Planner explained that the Bromley North site allowed for a variation in the mix of development however, this should include transport.

·  Ravensbourne, Plaistow, Sundridge Renewal Area Policy (page 119) – Whilst acknowledging that PTAL ratings were taken from the London Plan, Councillor Turner disagreed with Downham being categorised as an area of deprivation and the statement that transport links were ‘relatively poor’.  Grove Park was the nearest Railway  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13