Contact: Stephen Blyth, ext 6777/Peter Sydall, ext 6050

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That Gosport Borough Council be advised that a statement will be supplied under Section 46 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 stating that the Gosport Borough Local Plan Review First Deposit is in general conformity with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review).

(ii) That the County Planning Officer and County Surveyor, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment as necessary, be authorised to make appropriate objections or representations on the Local Plan once it has been formally placed on deposit.

2. Reason

2.1 Gosport Borough Council proposes to publish the Gosport Borough Local Plan Review First Deposit for public consultation. Before a Local Plan can be put on deposit, a statement is required from the County Council as strategic planning authority indicating whether or not the local plan is in general conformity with the Structure Plan.

2.2 The Local Plan makes provision for future development and conservation in accordance with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review).

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to issue a Statement of Conformity

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

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

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

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Introduction

7.1 The Gosport Borough Local Plan Review First Deposit covers the period up to 2011. The Borough Council proposes to place the plan on deposit for public consultation in the autumn. The draft plan sets out a series of overarching statements which establish the principles on which the policies and proposals are based. The overall planning vision states:

"The separate identity of Gosport will be retained. The Borough will be a desirable place to live, work and visit, with the needs of the community being met in a sustainable way."

7.2 Reflecting Regional Planning Guidance Note 9 that identifies the Borough as being within the Priority Area for Economic Regeneration for South Hampshire, the draft Local Plan's emphasis is on providing for economic development to enable economic regeneration and achieve a more sustainable employment base.

8. County Planning Officer's Comments

8.1 The Borough Council has helpfully had regular consultation with the County Planning Department during the preparation of the Review Plan.

8.2 The policies in the First Deposit draft are in general conformity with the Structure Plan. However, the following, whilst not being of sufficient gravity to be matters of conformity, may be lodged as representations when the County Council considers the First Deposit Plan later this year.

Open Space and Nature Conservation

8.3 Draft Local Plan Policy R/OS1 relates to both the strategic gap and other areas outside of the urban area boundary. For clarity the two should be considered under separate policies.

Environmental Controls

8.4 Policy R/ENV1 does not conform to Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 Development and Flood Risk as it does not apply the sequential test set out in paragraph 30 of the guidance note.

8.5 Policy R/ENV4, in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 the promotion of sustainable urban drainage systems should be incorporated into the policy rather than indicated in the supporting text.

8.6 It would also be appropriate if other measures to promote and encourage sustainable design in new developments were incorporated into policies in the environmental control chapter. For example, encouraging measures that reduce water consumption or minimise waste through the use of renewable or recycled materials.

9. County Surveyor's Comments

9.1 The transport policies in the Local Plan are also in general conformity with the Structure Plan. There has been considerable liaison between officers during the drafting of the Local Plan.

10. Conclusions

10.1 A Statement of Conformity is required to enable the Borough Council to place the Gosport Borough Local Plan Review First Deposit on deposit for public consultation. The Plan is in general conformity with the policies of the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) and, therefore, a Statement of Conformity should be issued.

7381/SB/PCS