Agenda Item. 12

 

THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL

 

CABINET MEETING: 18TH JULY, 2007

 

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND

ECONOMIC REGENERATION

 

 

VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) – STRATEGY OPTIONS STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP FINDINGS

 

Purpose of Report

 

1.         The purpose of this report is to advise Cabinet of the views expressed at a Stakeholder Workshop, which was recently held to discuss the strategic options for the emerging LDP.

 

Background

 

2.         Following Cabinet’s agreement of the LDP Vision in January 2007 (Minute No. C2871 refers), officers have been working on the strategic options and preferred strategy stage of the LDP (LDP Regulations 14 and 15 refer).

 

3.         In accordance with the approved Delivery Agreement (DA) (August 2006), the Council invited all specific bodies and relevant general stakeholders to attend a Workshop on 24th May 2007 at the YMCA Hub in Barry to discuss the various strategic options for the LDP.  A total of 52 stakeholders attended the Workshop and the findings will be used as a foundation for the Council’s LDP preferred strategy, which will be the subject of consultation early next year.

 

Relevant Issues and Options

 

4.         A number of short presentations were held at the start of the Workshop on LDP progress and the role of Sustainability Appraisal in determining the preferred Strategy for the LDP.  Stakeholders were arranged into 6 groups and asked to consider the merits of each of the following strategy options:

 

·                    Option 1: Maximising the potential of and concentrating growth in Barry, Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully and Rhoose (current UDP strategy).

 

·                    Option 2 a: Dispersal of housing and employment opportunities based on the current population of each settlement (without a sustainability test.)

 

·                    Option 2 b: Dispersal of housing and employment opportunities based on the current population of each settlement (with a sustainability test).

 

·                    Option 3: Higher growth in the larger villages in rural areas (e.g. Llantwit Major, Cowbridge, St. Athan, Rhoose and potentially others to be identified).

 

·                    Option 4: A rural new settlement able to promote sustainable self-containment.

 

·                    Option 5: Concentrate development opportunities in Barry, Penarth/ Llandough, Dinas Powys and Sully.  Llantwit Major and St. Athan to be a key development opportunity.  Smaller sustainable settlements to accommodate further housing and associated development.

 

5.         Detailed explanations of all the options together with their advantages and disadvantages are contained in the report of consultation attached at Appendix A (PDF - 573KB) to this report.  Although many considered that Option 1 (the UDP strategy) has been relatively effective to date, it was felt that it would not adequately address issues and problems facing the Vale of Glamorgan during the next Plan period.  Options 2a and 2b were both regarded as inappropriate and there were fears that Option 3 would result rural areas receiving too much development.  Option 4 was deemed viable although the cost implications were perceived as a major constraint to its implementation.  Option 5 was considered to be the most favourable as it supports the regeneration of brown field sites such as Barry Waterfront and makes efficient use of existing infrastructure and transport facilities. In addition, it recognises the potential development opportunities arising from the proposed Defence Training Academy at St. Athan.

 

6.         Stakeholders were also requested to consider any additional strategy options and came up with the following suggestions:

 

·                    Option 1 in conjunction with option 4;

 

·                    Option 2b in conjunction with option 5;

 

·                    Option 5 in conjunction with option 4;

 

·                    A strategy with a strong focus on the tourism potential of the Vale of Glamorgan;

 

·                    Tie in proposed development in the Vale of Glamorgan with those in neighbouring authorities (e.g. Brocastle, Llantrisant and Culverhouse Cross);

 

·                    Focus development opportunities around Cardiff International Airport and

 

·                    Concentrate the majority of development in and adjoining existing major settlements but provide area specific allocations within the surrounding areas.


 

 

7.         Although considerable work has already been undertaken on the strategic options and preferred Strategy stage as set out above, it is evident that it will not be possible to adhere to the dates originally set out in the approved DA timetable.  A separate Cabinet report has therefore been prepared on this matter setting out the reasons for the slippage and a revised timetable for the pre-deposit stages of the LDP process has been drafted.  It is now anticipated that the preferred Strategy will be reported to Cabinet for approval in December 2007 and the six week public consultation will take place in February / March 2008.  The Council has written to the Welsh Assembly Government advising them of the situation and intends to update stakeholders in due course.  Despite the above slippage, officers remain confident that it will be possible to recover time during the next stages of the LDP process and consult on the Deposit LDP in early 2009 as anticipated.

 

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

 

8.         The LDP is being undertaken by officers within the Planning and Transportation Division within existing budgets.  Although the preparation of the strategy options and preferred strategy is a key part of the process it will have no additional resource implications.

 

Legal Implications (to include Human Rights Implications)

 

9.         The Council’s statutory duties under the new LDP system are contained in Part 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005.  This report has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Act.

 

Crime and Disorder Implications

 

10.       None arising out of this report. In due course, crime and disorder issues will be considered in the preparation of the LDP.

 

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language Issues)

 

11.       The Council will publish proposals and consult with the public in English and Welsh whenever it is practicable to do so, and make provisions for representations and communication at the Examination Proceedings to be carried out in English and Welsh.

 

Corporate/Services Objectives

 

12.       One of the service objectives for Planning and Transportation is “to develop a sustainable land use planning and transport framework for the Vale of Glamorgan.”  The preparation and adoption of the LDP is key to meeting this objective.  The adoption of a LDP for the Vale of Glamorgan will be one of the main service targets for the Planning and Transportation Division over the next 4-5 years.


 

 

Policy Framework and Budget

 

13.       This report is a matter for Executive Decision by Cabinet.

 

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

 

14.       No Ward Member consultation has been undertaken as this report has implications for the Vale as whole rather than specific wards.  Wherever feasible, consultation on the LDP will be carried out in accordance with the Council’s adopted Code of Practice on Written Consultation (August 2002).  However, it should be noted that the consultation timeframes for the LDP are set out in the relevant national legislation and these must be complied with.

 

Appropriate Scrutiny Committee

 

15.       Economy and Environment.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

It is recommended that subject to consideration by the Planning Committee and the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Committee:

 

(1)       Cabinet note the findings from the strategy options stakeholder workshop.

 

(2)       Cabinet note the revised timescale for the preparation and consultation of the LDP preferred strategy.

 

(3)       A further report be presented to Cabinet later in the year on the draft LDP preferred strategy. 

 

Reasons for Recommendations

 

(1)       To advise Cabinet of the findings from the strategy options stakeholder workshop.

 

(2)       To allow officers satisfactory time to prepare and consult upon the strategy options and preferred strategy for the LDP.

 

(3)       To ensure Cabinet are kept informed of progress on this matter and to satisfy the statutory requirements of the LDP Regulations.

 

Background Papers

 

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Part 6).

 

The Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005.

 


 

The Local Development Plan Manual (June 2006)

 

Local Development Plans Wales (December 2005).

The Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan Delivery Agreement (August 2006)

 

Contact Officer – Lucy Turner - Policy Officer - Tel: 01446 704665.

 

Officers Consulted:

 

Operational Manager Legal and Regulatory Services

Senior Accountant

 

Rob Quick

Director of Environmental

and Economic Regeneration