Agenda item

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)               approves the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan Preferred Approach, in so far as it relates to Rushcliffe Borough, for public consultation; and

b)               delegates authority to the Director of Development and Economic Growth to approve any minor changes required to the Planed Approach document and the evidence base prior to consultation.  

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth outlining the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan – Preferred Options document.

Councillor Upton advised that the new Plan, prepared in collaboration with Broxtowe, Gedling and Nottingham City Councils would cover the period up to 2038.  If approved by all four Councils, Councillor Upton confirmed that the Preferred Approach document would be put out to consultation, with a final draft published during summer 2023, and then onto Government inspection later in 2023.  Cabinet noted that this Preferred Approach focused on housing and employment, although the full range of topics, detailed in paragraph 4.4 of the report would be included in the final Plan, which would go to public consultation.  Councillor Upton advised that this Preferred Approach had been scrutinised and approved by the Local Development Framework (LDF) Group

Councillor Upton confirmed that each Council would meet its own housing need, as determined by the Government’s standard method, with the exception of Nottingham City, which would meet as much as it could, and it was not proposed that the City’s unmet need would be met elsewhere in Greater Nottingham, as had previously occurred.  Cabinet was advised that Rushcliffe already had enough allocated housing sites to meet its requirement, including a significant buffer, and whilst several potential sites had been put forward by developers and landowners, Councillor Upton confirmed that there was no requirement for the allocation of any new strategic housing sites within Rushcliffe.  The anticipated housing supply in Rushcliffe from 2022 and 2038 was around 14,300 dwellings, which significantly exceeded Government targets and provided Rushcliffe with protection against any potential future housing under supply.

In respect of economic development and employment, Councillor Upton stated that an independent Employment Land Needs Study had been undertaken, with details of the estimated requirements outlined in paragraph 4.21 of the report.  It was considered that Rushcliffe already had enough sites identified in the current Local Plan, and Cabinet noted that although potential sites had been put forward, there was no justification at this time to identify any new strategic employment sites.

In conclusion, Councillor Upton referred to the importance of housing and employment issues, especially given the current national situation and stated that Rushcliffe took its responsibilities extremely seriously, hence the importance of this report.  Cabinet noted that between April 2021 and March 2022, 1,110 new homes had been built, many of which were affordable, and the current Housing Land Supply figure stood at a very healthy 8.9 years.  Councillor Upton thanked the Planning Policy Manager and his team for their hard work in delivering this significant and complex piece of work in a timely and appropriate manner.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean noted the Council’s role in developing this document and stressed the importance of also ensuring that it was for the benefit of residents in Rushcliffe.  Of significant importance was that Rushcliffe would not be required to look for any additional housing land other than what was allocated in the Local Plan Part 2 or employment land, and Councillor Edyvean stated that the land already designated for employment should allow the Borough to attract quality employers with high value employment. 

Councillor Robinson referred to previous instances of opportunist development and welcomed having such a healthy Housing Land Supply figure of 8.9 years to act as a buffer  Councillor Robinson referred to the Greater Nottingham Planning Partnership (JPAB) and noted that Ashfield was not a part of that Group, which was puzzling, given its location.

Councillor Upton stated that the comment was valid, and the issue had frequently been discussed at JAPB meetings.

Councillor Robinson concluded by echoing Councillor Upton’s thanks to the Planning Policy Manager and his team for their hard work on this very significant undertaking and asked that those thanks be passed on.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)               approves the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan Preferred Approach, in so far as it relates to Rushcliffe Borough, for public consultation; and

b)               delegates authority to the Director of Development and Economic Growth to approve any minor changes required to the Planed Approach document and the evidence base prior to consultation.