Agenda item

A presentation will be given at the meeting. The Draft Publication Strategy and supporting evidence is available through the Council’s Website : http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5302

Paul  Allen, Head  of  Planning  Policy  and  Projects, gave  a  presentation 

regarding the Council’s Core Strategy consultation. The Core Strategy will be a key document at the heart of Bury's Local Plan. It will set out the long-term vision for the future development of the borough to 2029 and will contain strategic policies that are required to deliver that vision.                                                               

The consultation on the Publication Core Strategy runs for six weeks (2 August to 13 September 2013) at which point any comments or representations made will be submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration. An examination of the Strategy will take place in March 2014 and it is anticipated that the final Core Strategy would be adopted in September 2014.

The presentation provided information on the following issues that are likely to face challenge as the Strategy progresses to Examination:

·         Housing Target

·         Gin Hall

·         Retail Capacity

·         Wind Turbines

Questions and comments were invited from the Committee and the following issues were raised:

·         Councillor Daly referred to the previous consultations and versions of the Strategy and highlighted that it was only recently that residents of Walmsley had become aware of proposals relating to Gin Hall. In response to questions about the robustness of the consultation process, the Head of Planning Policy and Projects stated that he believed the process had been open and transparent and had taken into account the responses submitted.

·         With regard to recent amendments to the Strategy, approved by Full Council on 3 July 2013, it was explained that the amended Strategy was still available for consultation, with any responses or comments being considered as part of the Examination process.

·         Councillor Daly sought clarification on the “very special circumstances” which could lead to the development of the Gin Hall site. The Head of Planning Policy and Projects referred to National Greenbelt Policy Guidance which sets out detail of appropriate development within the Green Belt.

·         With regard to the Housing Target, the Head of Planning Policy and Projects explained that the role of the Strategy was to identify broad areas where development will be accommodated. The Strategy includes a target of 400 units per annum which it is felt can be achieved without the need to release Green Belt land.

·         In response to a question from Councillor Tariq it was reported that the Strategy looked to protect employment generating sites and looked to develop areas for employment in locations such as Pilsworth, Irwell Bank, Chamberhall, Townside and land at Prestwich Hospital.

·           With regard to the issue of wind turbines, it was reported that although work had been done on average wind speeds, which showed that Holcombe Moor would be suitable, any future proposal would still have to be considered against other planning policies.

·           In response to a question concerning Gin Hall from Councillor Daly, the Head of Planning Policy and Projects confirmed that the Council would not assist any potential developer by removing the tip site.

It was agreed:

1. That the Head of Planning Policy and Projects be thanked for his presentation.

2. That formal representations on the Publication Core Strategy be submitted in writing or by email to the Planning Policy and Projects Section no later than 13 September 2013.