Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director, Regeneration and Local Services – Head of Planning and Assets.

The Chairman introduced the Spatial Policy Manager, Regeneration and Local Services, Mike Allum who was in attendance to give an update on the County Durham Plan (CDP) and the possible implications of the forthcoming Government Housing White Paper (for copy see file of minutes).

The Spatial Policy Manager explained to Members that in May 2016 Parliament had enacted the Housing and Planning Act which introduced a number of changes including the provision of starter homes, widening the right to buy provisions and tackling rogue landlords.  It was added that regulations were being consulted upon, however, no final version had yet been forthcoming.  Councillors noted that the Government had indicated that it would bring forward a White Paper in January 2017 in respect of further changes in terms of housing, including a more flexible view on starter homes and affordable housing.

It was added that Government had indicated that it would use the White Paper to outline its response in terms of the Local Plans Expert Group (LPEG), in relation to the Local Plan process and the streamlining of this process.  Members noted that at this point there was some speculation of the content such as the calculation of Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) which was fundamental in terms of the development of any Local Plan.  Members noted that the Government is likely to introduce a national standard methodology for calculating housing numbers unlike currently when all local authorities calculate their own. 

Councillors noted that other significant changes in terms of the preparation of a Local Plan, could include: the future of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), as this had not proven to be as successful as envisaged; actions to boost the build-out of houses, looking to prevent “land banking”; changed planning fees, with a possible premium “fast-track” service; and policy in terms of housing density.

Members noted that while the CDP had been about to be at the preferred options consultation stage, it was thought to be sensible to review the position following the publication of the White Paper before recommending a preferred option and proceeding to consultation.

The Chairman thanked the Spatial Policy Manager and noted he felt it would be wrong if developers could pay for a fast-track service that bypassed any planning scrutiny and asked whether land availability assessments would change.  The Spatial Policy Manager noted that the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) methodology was likely to remain the same.

Councillor O Temple asked as regards the potential increase in housing density and how this would affect developments of “executive homes”, would there be a change of emphasis or would it remain as per the “old” CDP.  The Spatial Policy Manager noted that densities are likely to be higher close to businesses; public services and transport; and lower in rural locations.  It was noted that if there was a special case demonstrated it could apply.  Councillor J Armstrong asked how changes in density would relate to car parking provision and would there be capacity to be able to provide adequate parking as members receive regular complaints from residents concerning 2 car families and parking problems. 

The Spatial Policy Manager added that there had been a relaxing of the rules in terms of minimum provision and that ownership did not equate to usage in terms of parking.

Councillor H Nicholson noted that the A1 and A19 corridors attracted new businesses and that housing developments seemed to follow those businesses, to the detriment of the established villages in a sense that they appear to be becoming “left behind”. 

Councillor H Nicholson noted that while housing papers suggested a “led by the market” approach, he felt that there should be an element of the Authority, and Members, leading in terms of where we wanted to develop, especially in terms of the Authority’s arms’ length company.  Councillor H Nicholson added that is some areas old, no longer fit for purpose stock needed to be demolished and new modern properties built and Councillor H Nicholson reiterated his concern that some villages could be left behind. 

The Chairman noted that the Council’s Masterplans looked at the 12 main settlements, however, there were other villages too and it was an issue in terms of getting developers interested in those other areas and providing the right housing type for those areas. 

Councillor M Davinson noted that when some terraced house prices were falling below £20,000 then this was an indication that something was very wrong with an area and added that he felt that in some cases developers would be willing to provide a density of housing without providing the roads and other requisite infrastructure, as they felt we were so desperate for housing that it would be accepted.  Councillor J Armstrong noted he agreed with Councillor H Nicholson in that some areas needed to be regenerated, with older properties being demolished.

The Chairman noted that while there was a delay to be able to understand the impact of the White Paper, he wondered whether, following this period of delay, the CDP process could then speed up.

The Portfolio Holder for Assets, Strategic Housing and Rural Issues noted that in relation to estate regeneration there were currently 2 bids in terms of pilots for West Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.  The Portfolio Holder added that issues in terms of demolitions and regeneration of villages were discussed at the Housing Forum and there was constant lobbying in terms of securing regeneration schemes.

Resolved:

That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the forthcoming publication of the Housing White Paper and that Members receive a further update once the Housing White Paper is published.