Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Building Control & Development Plans.

Team Manager Building Control & Development Plans presented the report which sought approval of the Preferred Strategy, attached at Appendix 1, to be taken forward for consultation.  This was a key document in the process and sets the strategic framework for the new replacement LDP.

The Officer spoke to the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member said there was potential for housing all along the Heads of the Valleys corridor, but stressed the importance of identifying sustainable sites in areas that people wanted to live.  He then referred to P.15 of the report, particularly supporting sustainable transport, and expressed concern regarding the lack of transport links to the Borough’s Industrial Estates, and said this needed to be addressed particularly when looking to increase growth in the area.   He also expressed concern that Members had not had sight of the Nash Report.

In response the Officer agreed that housing sites should be the best sites, and confirmed that a very thorough assessment was being undertaken, and improved transport links were also needed to our employment sites, particularly across the Northern Corridor.  In relation to the Nash Report, the Officer confirmed that this would be taken into account as part of the work being done on the role of Town Centres.

The Service Manager Development & Estates said we need to be confident that the housing sites identified within the Plan can be delivered.

A Member referred to section 3.17 on page 18 of the report and it felt it was appropriate that the words ‘Circuit of Wales’ be amended.  He commended the Officer on an excellent report.

Councillor J. Millard left the meeting at this juncture.

Another Member asked whether the Borough’s infrastructure and services were able to meet the demands that new housing sites would bring.

In response the Officer confirmed that Aneurin Bevan LHB had been consulted in relation to future needs and requirements and this would be fed into the Plan, and also working with Education to plan for those changes.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and Members support amendments to the Preferred Strategy to be referred on for approval by Council (Option 2).