Agenda item

To sign the minutes of the last meeting as a correct record of

proceedings.

Matters Arising from the Minutes.

3.1      Agreed that the minutes of the Planning & City Development Committee held on 27 July 2022 be agreed subject to the sentence in paragraph 4.4 in relation to the Annual update on planning applications and appeals performance - 2021/22 which reads ‘Whilst there was a fluctuation in the yearly statistics, this is a result of appeals being determined by the Planning Inspectorate rather than the Council’ be amended and that the words ‘rather than the Council’ is deleted.

3.2       Matters Arising from the Minutes

3.2.1    Minutes 3.2 – Minutes 3.2.2 Draft Early Community Engagement Guidance

           Members were provided an update regarding the appointment of a Community Champion and informed that works were currently being undertaken to ensure that the newly created position was completely independent. Members were informed that officers had made initial informal enquiries with a number of potential service providers, but that one of these providers may not be in a position to formally bid to run the service. The Committee would be provided with an update on the Community Champion’s role and how they would work with stakeholders at their next meeting. Members noted that the Community Champion scheme was initiated by the previous Administration and was supported by the current. 

3.2.2   Minutes 3.2 – Minutes 3.2.4 National Policy & Planning Reform Update. 4.4 Article 4 Direction

           Members noted that a large area of the Central Activity Zone (CAZ) which was originally proposed by the council, had been reduced by central government and requested that maps be provided to clarify what was originally proposed and what this was amended to. Members were informed that the updated map for the CAZ was available on the council’s webpage but that this could be circulated with the minutes.

            The area the council originally proposed, which comprises the CAZ minus Royal Parks and the River Thames, can be viewed below:

The revised boundary that the Article 4 Direction now applies to can be viewed below:

3.2.3    Minutes 3.2 Minutes 3.2 5 National Policy & Planning Reform Update.

           Officers confirmed that there was no live list or any informal enquires received regarding the change of use under permitted development rights. Members noted that this may be due to there still be uncertainty regarding the new scheme.

3.2.4   Minutes 3.2 Minutes 3.2.6 National Policy & Planning Reform Update. 4.4 Affordable Housing and Planning Obligations SPD.

           The Committee requested that officers provide a list of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) that were currently being formulated or in the process of adoption. The Committee was reminded that the Local Development Scheme had been published alongside the consultation on the City Plan and this included a list of SPDs which were currently under review. The Local Development Scheme  sets out that work is underway on the following new SPDs:

·       Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing; and

·       Public Realm

It also sets out that work is underway on updating the existing Environment SPD.

3.2.5    Minutes 3.2 – Minutes 3.2.8 5 VAT on New Build and Refurbishment Schemes. 5.3 Incentives for Retrofit rather than Redevelopment.

           The Committee noted that they previously held discussions about lobbying Central Government regarding incentives for retrofits and were of the view that the current political climate was not the optimum time to undertake this. Members noted that a plan would be formulated for the above activity and the Committee would be advised and updated on its contents.

3.2.6    Minutes 3.2 Minutes 3.2.9 Planning Enforcement Team Performance and Local Enforcement Plan

Members were informed that consultation on the Local Enforcement Plan was being formalised and that the Communities Directorate was being liaised with to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted. The Committee were reminded that the Local Enforcement Plan focuses on planning enforcements activities and the consultation would seek views on what areas should be prioritised and how resources should be deployed.

3.2.7   Minute – 5 Discussions of the future format and Terms of Reference of the Planning & City Development Committee.

           Members noted that their quorum was three and agreed that they should hold future discussions on whether this should remain. The Committee were reminded that their quorum was set out in the Constitution and that the latter was currently being reviewed.

3.2.8    Paddington Green Police Station

           Members noted that Paddington Green Police Station Planning Application had been ‘called in’ by the Mayor of London and that it was anticipated that an amendments would be submitted to the Mayor. Members were informed that officers would submit comments regarding the revised application and would seek the view of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee before responding to the Mayor. The developer had undertaken consultations with stakeholders, and this included invitations to exhibitions. Members were advised that they should seek advice from the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning regarding attending events organised by the Developer. This was to ensure that any actions by Members which could potentially be viewed or amount to pre-determination. This was to guard against.

 3.2.9   Design Review Panel

           Officers advised that preparatory work had started regarding the creation of a Design Review Panel and both officers and other stakeholders had been consulted. The Committee were informed that most London Local Planning Authorities had a Design Review Panel and that large developers and staff members such as design officers were familiar with the concept. It was noted that some officers were or had previously been members of DRPs in other boroughs. The Panel will not have any statutory functions and will only act in an advisory capacity an provide expert advice on a range of design related issues. Members were advised that the Panel views would be sought in addition to the advice provided by Design, Conservation and Sustainability Officers, and the former should be viewed as a complementary additional resource which would help to boost the standard of design and quality of developments.