Issue - meetings

B (Copy herewith)

2.1         Cabinet approved the draft Northampton Specialist Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for consultation for 8 weeks from 8 August 2019 to 3 October 2019.

2.2         Cabinet delegated authority to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning to make minor non-material spelling, formatting and other amendments to the consultation documents where they do not alter the intent of the SPD.

Councillor James Hill as the relevant Cabinet Member outlined the report seeking approval of the draft Specialist Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation. 

Councillor Smith stated that it was important that the right balance of housing was provided and expressed concern that developers were currently able to undertake an independent viability test, which often resulted in less than the full quota of affordable housing being provided.  Councillor Hill agreed, but noted that the SPD would carry weight with the Planning Inspectorate.  The Head of Planning pointed out that the Government had just issued guidance suggesting that all local authorities should have SPDs on this issue.

RESOLVED:

2.1         Cabinet approved the draft Northampton Specialist Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for consultation for 8 weeks from 8 August 2019 to 3 October 2019.

2.2         Cabinet delegated authority to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning to make minor non-material spelling, formatting and other amendments to the consultation documents where they do not alter the intent of the SPD.