To receive from Members any declarations and their nature in relation to:-

(a)    personal interests in any agenda item

(b)    personal and prejudicial interests in any agenda item

To approve a revised Local Development Scheme for Luton in order to prepare a Local Plan for Luton. 

The Sub Committee received and considered a report which provided a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) for Luton, in order for a Local Plan for Luton to be prepared.   The report set out the scope and timetable for the production of future development plans for the Luton area, and the creation of an interim Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which would apply solely to Luton.

Formal responsibility for plan-making across Luton and southern Central Bedfordshire would revert to Luton Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council for their respective areas with effect from 1 April 2012.  Until 1 April 2012, the Joint Committee remains the plan-making authority for both areas.

The LDS and the interim SCI would be published on the Luton Borough Council website following adoption, and would also be available in hard copy.  Since the introduction of the Localism Act 2011, it is no longer a requirement for the LDS to be submitted to the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED

1.            that the revised Local Development Scheme for Luton, dated 3 February 2012, as the Local Development Scheme solely for the area of Luton, be adopted.

2.            that the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for Luton as the interim SCI applying solely to Luton, pending new government planning regulations, be adopted.

To inform the Joint Committee of an item on the North Hertfordshire District Council Cabinet meeting on 24^th January  relating to consultation on new housing scenarios.

The Sub Committee received and considered a report which provided an update on an item on the North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) Cabinet meeting agenda for 24 January 2012, relating to consultation on new housing scenarios.  A copy of the report and supporting appendix to be discussed at the NHDC Cabinet meeting were attached to this report.

Planning Officers provided an update on the discussion and subsequent decision taken by NHDC Cabinet.  The discussion was in relation to eight options for new housing.  The preferred option selected by the Cabinet was Option F based on affordable housing of 7,000 dwellings.  This amount was significantly lower than the regional amount of 15,800 dwellings.

It was noted that no early engagement with either Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) or Luton Borough Council (LBC) had been carried out by NHDC.  Planning Officers from both CBC and LBC had not been provided with any actual figures as to the options being put forward.

The Localism Act 2011 had brought in a ‘duty to cooperate’ which was effective from 15 November 2011.  It was felt that NHDC had failed to comply with this ethos and the Sub Committee were therefore requested to write to NHDC and express its deep concerns at the consultation procedure and the implications of the signalled preferred options.

The Sub Committee had a full and frank discussion with those present, including the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport & Enterprise from NHDC.  It was the decision of the Sub Committee that a letter should be sent.

RESOLVED

that the Sub Committee would write to North Hertfordshire District Council expressing concern that there was no early engagement with Luton and Central Bedfordshire Councils.

To enable Central Bedfordshire to commence community engagement on its plan making programme, specifically the Development Strategy.

The Sub Committee received and considered a report which sought to enable Central Bedfordshire to commence community engagement on its plan making programme, specifically the Development Strategy.

The Sub Committee agreed a Plan-making Programme at the 12 October 2011 Sub Committee meeting.  It was noted that prior to any work being carried out the Sub Committee was requested to provide authorisation in accordance with the Luton and Southern Central Bedfordshire Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which was adopted by the Joint Committee.

Members agreed that, in formulating new Plans, it would be important to ensure engagement between communities at the interface with adjacent Plans.  It was also agreed that, as Luton’s Area Committees were the nearest equivalent to Central Bedfordshire’s Parish Councils, it would be appropriate for Areas and Parishes to engage.

Central Bedfordshire Council hoped to have held stakeholder workshops during March in advance of consultations beginning in May/June.

RESOLVED

1.            that Central Bedfordshire Council to commence community engagement on its plan-making programme (Local Development Scheme) in accordance with the adopted Luton and Southern Central Bedfordshire Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), insofar as it relates to Southern Central Bedfordshire, be authorised.

2.            that the commencement of work on a Central Bedfordshire – wide Statement of Community Involvement reflecting emerging new government regulations, be authorised.