Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council Economic, Planning and Housing Committee Meeting

Councillor Tuck was replaced by Councillor K Watts.

Councillor Godesen was replaced by Councillor Phillimore.

Councillor Izett was replaced by Councillor Vaux.

Councillor Ibrahim was replaced by Councillor Grant.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no urgent matters.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure introduced the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) which provided monitoring information and statistical data for planning related matters. The primary purpose of the AMR was to monitor progress with the production of planning policy documents and consider the effectiveness of the council’s planning policies against relevant performance indicators and targets.

The Cabinet member advised that the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) meant that the council no longer needed a 5-year housing land supply and instead only needed a 4-year housing land supply which would apply when the council started the regulation 18 consultation.

The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:

• Acknowledged that the current position meant that the authority had a 4.6% housing land supply.

• Implored the administration to try and assist residents within the private rented sector.

• Stressed that the main priority should be to reduce the numbers on the housing register.

• It was noted that there was a typographical error in 2.9 of the report and that the figure should read 78.6%.

• Acknowledged the importance of neighbourhood plans.

• Made reference to improving transport links so that the number of unnecessary cars were reduced.

• Suggested that officers rediscuss the issues around Tadley’s emergency plan as Tadley needed organic growth.

• Noted the hard work of planning team and the over delivery of housing provided by the borough.

• Questioned whether there was a requirement from the government to house migrants. The Planning Policy Manager confirmed that there was no such requirement at the current time.

• Members were frustrated that a number of developments had been approved by the Local Planning Authority but were yet to delivered. It was suggested that as a deterrent the developers be subject to a penalty for the non-delivery of sites within a set timeframe. Therefore, it was agreed that Cabinet Member write to government to suggest that policies be introduced to that effect.

• Questioned when the first house would be built on Manydown. The Cabinet Member responded that the work being progressed at speed.

• Implored Officers to speak with development companies in order to ensure that progress was being made with developments.

• Stated that there was a need to build fit for purpose versatile properties that could be used for a longer number of years.

•  Raised the various issues with permitted development schemes.

• Requested that the total amount of bungalows built be added to future reports.

• Would like to see a single area for self/custom build properties within a development.

• Requested that Officers research potential areas that would be suitable for gypsy and traveller pitches and explore the options to expand the injunction against unauthorised encampments. 

• Suggested that the Council review whether there was an alternative standard to “Building for a healthy life”.

• Stated that agreed strategic gaps should be long term and not just for the period of the local plan.

• Would like to see the biodiversity policies strengthened.

• Requested information on Sites of Nature Conservation (SINCs) and how they are designated and reviewed.

• Referred to the 10% biodiversity net gain figure for new developments and suggested that the current average could be used as evidence to increase the number.

• Raised the various and complex issues in relation to water provision and the monitoring of waterways data.

• Acknowledged that a renewable energy study had been commissioned.

• Queried whether the Borough required warehouse space. The Cabinet Member advised that the economic needs assessment had identified that further space was required.

• Stressed the need for the right infrastructure.

• Requested a response in relation to page 378 of the report and the reason why the chemical classification assessment was no longer required.

Resolved: The Committee provides its views to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure introduced the report which provided details on the latest annual Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS), which covered the financial year (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023).

The Committee were advised that the statement was due to be updatedin line with the infrastructure delivery plan and that it was a very high-level view.

The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:

• Expressed concern that if the Council by provided funding for health and education projects it would allow other responsible bodies such as Hampshire County Council to reduce their spending commitments.  The Planning Policy Team Leader responded that that any application would be required to prove that they had exhausted all other available channels.

• Questioned whether CIL money could be spent based on the parish councils that the new residents used instead of older parish boundaries.

• Suggested that a section be added to the report to explain the positive effects a completed project had created.

Resolved: The Committee provides its views to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure.

The Chair introduced the work programme and gave a brief overview of the items that would be included on the agenda for the upcoming meetings.

The Committee requested an update on regeneration and requested that sovereign attend a future meeting in order to provide members with the result of the consultation response and to confirm their future plans.

It was suggested that the Committee review the process for designating Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).