Consideration of a national consultation on changes to the framework of national planning policies and their implications for Wirral.

The Interim Director of Corporate Services reported upon the contents of a wide ranging national consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government Department on a draft National Planning Policy Framework. This was intended to replace the previous suite of existing national Planning Policy Statements, Planning Policy Guidance Notes and Minerals Planning Statements and revised national Regulations for Local Planning, which could have significant implications for the future shape of the land-use planning system in England. The report recommended that the comments set out in the Appendices to the report be submitted as the formal Council’s response to the Department for Communities and Local Government Department.

The report had been approved by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 20 September, 2011 (minute 83 refers).

Councillor P Davies, whilst appreciating that this was currently the consultation phase, expressed his deep concern at some of the proposals contained within the document.

On a motion by Councillor P Davies, seconded by Councillor G Davies it was –

Resolved –

(1)  That Cabinet is extremely concerned that by advocating a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ the government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework fails to strike the right balance between growth and the protection of our natural environment and ensuring a real say for local people.

(2)  That Cabinet believes that unless this issue is addressed, Wirral’s green belt and countryside, which are hugely valued by our residents and visitors, may be under threat by the new planning regime being proposed by the Government, particularly due to seemingly removing the priority for developing Brownfield land first.

(3)  That Cabinet believes this fundamental flaw needs to be addressed before the planning policy framework is finalised.

(4)  That Cabinet asks that this response is included in the Council’s submission to government as part of the consultation exercise together with the Director’s comments as set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report.