Archived decisions

Contact: Stuart Roberts, ext 6782

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel be endorsed.

2. Reasons

2.1 The seven Task Teams established to research the issues and options for the roll forward/review of the Hampshire County Structure Plan completed their reports last year. Their findings were to be discussed at a stakeholders' conference in December 2002, but this was postponed in the light of Government proposals to radically change the development plan framework. Those proposals - set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill - are to replace regional planning guidance, structure plans and local plans by regional spatial strategies (prepared by regional planning bodies) and local development frameworks (prepared by district councils).

2.2 A report recommending the way forward in the light of these planned changes was presented to the Hampshire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel on 2 April 2003. In summary, that report concluded that it is neither appropriate nor feasible to progress the roll forward/review of the Hampshire County Structure Plan. Instead, the strategic planning authorities should assist the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) by preparing sub-regional strategies for South Hampshire and the Blackwater Valley, and by Hampshire County Council undertaking technical work relating to the rest of Hampshire to inform the preparation of the new Regional Spatial Strategy. Discussions should also take place with the Hampshire local planning authorities on how Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council can assist with technical work to inform the preparation of District Local Development Frameworks.

2.3 The Panel resolved to recommend Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council to:

(i) thank the task team members for their valuable contribution to the preparation of new strategic plans for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton;

(ii) cease work on the roll forward/review of the Hampshire County Structure Plan;

(iii) prepare, in conjunction with the South East England Regional Assembly, project briefs for sub-regional strategies for South Hampshire and the Blackwater Valley;

(iv) explore with the South East England Regional Assembly how sub-regional strategies are to be progressed, as part of the proposed Regional Spatial Strategy, for any other areas which cross the Hampshire boundary; and

(v) discuss with the Hampshire local planning authorities the topics on which joint technical work could be undertaken to inform the preparation of Local Development Frameworks.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to accept some or all of the Panel's recommendations.

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

7990/SR