Proposed by Councillor Brian Kenny

Seconded by Councillor George Davies

(1)  This Council expresses its real concern that the Coalition Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework, as it currently stands, could create a major threat to Wirral’s highly valued Green Belt and countryside.

(2)  Council recognises that Wirral residents are fiercely protective of these areas and believes that the Government’s decision to advocate a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” fails totally to strike the right balance between growth and the protection of our natural environment, and ensuring the rights of local people to have a real say in what happens where they live.

(3)  Council further expresses its real concern about the apparent removal of the priority to build on Brown Field sites first, which will add further pressure on Green Belt land which is more attractive to builders and developers.

(4)  Council believes that this policy is fundamentally flawed and, if it is not addressed, could lead to a wrecking of Britain’s countryside and heritage in the interests of big businesses and property developers, without leading to an increase in affordable housing which is badly needed.

(5)  Council therefore urges this Government to think again, before it is too late.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(2)

Proposed by Councillor David Elderton

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

Delete all and insert:

(1)  Council notes the Coalition Government’s Draft proposals for the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is currently out for consultation.

(2)  Council supports the intention of simplifying the Planning system and recognises the importance of a Planning system that encourages economic development and job creation to the country.

(3)  Council notes that the new planning guidance safeguards valued national protection such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as ensuring measures which protect wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage.   By contrast, the previous Government’s Regional Strategies were planning to delete the Green Belt, which would have meant more urban sprawl and less protection for the countryside

(4)  Council also notes that as well as protecting the Green Belt, the Framework provides a new designation for councils to protect valued green space which is outside nationally protected areas.  The Government’s proposals directly state that local plans should minimise adverse effects on the natural environment, meaning there will be no free reign for developers to build wherever they like.

(5)  Therefore Council welcomes the fact that ultimately, local communities will be the driving seat by being able to influence the shape of their local communities, supported by the innovation of neighbourhood planning and increasing the involvement of local residents across our local areas

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 7(8), the Council did not debate this matter.

The amendment was put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

The substantive motion was then put and carried (34:29) (One abstention)

Resolved (34:29) (One abstention) –

(1)  Council notes the Coalition Government’s Draft proposals for the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is currently out for consultation.

(2)  Council supports the intention of simplifying the Planning system and recognises the importance of a Planning system that encourages economic development and job creation to the country.

(3)  Council notes that the new planning guidance safeguards valued national protection such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as ensuring measures which protect wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage.   By contrast, the previous Government’s Regional Strategies were planning to delete the Green Belt, which would have meant more urban sprawl and less protection for the countryside

(4)  Council also notes that as well as protecting the Green Belt, the Framework provides a new designation for councils to protect valued green space which is outside nationally protected areas.  The Government’s proposals directly state that local plans should minimise adverse effects on the natural environment, meaning there will be no free reign for developers to build wherever they like.

(5)  Therefore Council welcomes the fact that ultimately, local communities will be the driving seat by being able to influence the shape of their local communities, supported by the innovation of neighbourhood planning and increasing the involvement of local residents across our local areas.