Archived decisions

Contact: Stuart Roberts, ext 6782

1. Summary

1.1 On 16 July 2001 the Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel (JAP) resolved to recommend to the three strategic planning authorities that commencement of a review of the County Structure Plan should begin. The report to JAP (Appendix 1) explained why the adopted Hampshire County Structure Plan needs to be reviewed and the alternative ways it could be progressed. The report suggested that some preliminary technical work and dialogue with stakeholders should take place this autumn/winter, but that decisions on policy principles, the scope of the review, how far ahead the revised/new plan should look and a detailed timetable for carrying out the review should wait until spring/summer 2002.

1.2 The Environment Policy Review Committee on 17 September 2001 was recommended to endorse the JAP recommendation (see Appendix 2).

1.3 It is essential to have a long term strategic plan in place for Hampshire. Therefore, endorsement of the JAP recommendation is appropriate. However, it does have considerable implications. It will commit Members to the preparation of a revised/new structure plan with the associated difficult political decisions in a reasonably expeditious timetable. It will also have implications for resources. Staff costs are already budgeted for (although there will be a need to reprioritise the work programmes of some officers) but the substantial other costs, in particular those associated with consultation and the Examination in Public, will require an increased budget from 2002/03 onwards.

1.4 The following decision is sought:

That the recommendation from the Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel be endorsed.

2. Reason(s)

2.1 As set out in the attached report.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not approving the JAP recommendation.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

6684/SR