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LDF
Bulletin
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Local Development Framework Update
Since the last e-newsletter in February this year, much has
changed with the election of the Coalition Government in May. A number of
statements have been made since then suggesting ‘reforms’ to the planning
system – the most fundamental of these being the decision on 6 July to
revoke Regional Spatial Strategies with immediate effect.
This
means that the South East Plan no longer exists. This had directed
planning policy at District level through setting targets for the amount
of new housing in the District over the next twenty years. The emphasis is
now on communities themeselves making certain decisions that effect them,
through 'Localism'. DCLG website
As a result of this it has
been necessary for us to reconsider how we proceed with the LDF Core
Strategy and other Development Plan Documents under the Local Development
Framework umbrella. The Council’s LDF Cabinet Committee will consider on
22nd July a report which sets out a way forward, making use of both the
technical evidence and community consultation that has been undertaken so
far. LDF Committee Report CAB 2040(LDF)
Primarily our focus over the next few months
will be to continue with Core Strategy preparation, albeit to an amended
timescale to allow for community consultation to discuss the amount of new
housing and other forms of development that is needed in the towns and
villages of Winchester District. Watch this space for further
details of events.
The South Downs National Park
The South Downs
National Park will formally become the Planning Authority for LDF purposes
as of April 2011, covering that part of the District the lies within this
newly created National Park. Have a look at the South Downs National Park
website to see if you’re in the National Park www.southdowns.gov.uk
At present the plan is to work with National Park officers to jointly
prepare a Core Strategy for the Winchester District, however in the longer
term the National Park Authority will prepare its own LDF. A map showing
the extent of how much of the District lies within the National Park can
be seen at Appendix C of the LDF report on 22nd July. CAB 2040 (LDF)
Evidence
Evidence will
still play a key part in LDF preparation and justification for the
emerging policies and proposals. Existing evidence studies can be viewed
or downloaded from the LDF Evidence page on the City Council's website.
In addition a number of additional studies have just been completed or are
in the process of being finalised and CAB 2039(LDF) gives a brief description of these
studies which will be posted on the Council’s website in due course. In
addition, given the emphasis on localism, the Council is in the process of
updating its Rural Facilities Audit and Settlement Profiles for the larger
towns and villages in the rural parts of the District and will be
requesting town and parish councils to assist with this project over the
next few months.
Garden Grabbing - what does this really mean?
Again
the new Government has made changes to the definition of previously
developed land to specifically exclude residential gardens. Given such
sites are an important source of new houses across the District, this
matter is being reported to the Councils LDF Cabinet Committee on 22nd
July as part of report CAB 2037 (LDF) to clarify the implication of
these changes and how planning applications will be
treated.
Refresh of the Sustainable Community Strategy
The Council is seeking views from anyone who lives or works
in the Winchester District to help shape the community strategy. The
strategy provides a vision for the future and sets out how Winchester City
Council will work with other organisations to improve the quality of life
for the District’s 110,000 residents over the next decade. Consultaion Document.
The Community
Stategy and Local Development Framework both support the role and
functions of the Council and its partners, there are several ways you can
give your views on the refresh:
- Complete the simple form at www.winchester.gov.uk/ShowForm.asp
- email your ideas to Alison Woods at awoods@winchester.gov.uk
- or send a letter to Alison Woods at:
Winchester City Council
City Offices
Colebrook Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LJ.
The consultation ends on 13 August
2010.
Strategic Planning Team
Winchester City Council
City Offices
Colebrook Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LJ
Tel: 01962 840 222
ldf@winchester.gov.uk
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