Issue - meetings

AGREED      that Cabinet:

a)            approve the proposed SPDs at Appendices B and C to the report; and

b)            public consultation be undertaken for 6-weeks on the proposed amendments for referral back to Cabinet for adoption.

The Senior Planner was in attendance to present a Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in relation to Solar Energy and a Draft Interim Affordable Housing SPD for public consultation. The development of the SDPs had been approved by the Cabinet on 26 March 2024 to support the implementation of national and local planning policy and provide additional guidance to applicants and decision makers. The delivery of affordable housing was a long-term Council priority and the review and updating of the Council’s Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document was identified as an action within the Council’s Community Plan. The development of solar energy farms had recently become a significant issue locally, including the emergence of two large solar energy farm proposals in Trent Valley. These larger applications were nationally significant infrastructure projects and would be determined by the Secretary of State.

The Cabinet considered the report and questioned whether the SDP for Solar Panels could require ethical standards in manufacture. The Director for Planning and Growth explained that the Policy could draw attention to standards and include as a link in the document but wouldn’t be able to include as part of decision making. Similarly cumulative impact could only be considered where applications were within the planning system and Members raised concerns from the public about losing the rural nature of the District.

AGREED (unanimously) That Cabinet:

a)      Approve the proposed SPDs at Appendices B and C to the report; and

b)      public consultation be undertaken for 6-weeks on the proposed amendments for referral back to Cabinet for adoption.

Reasons for Decision:

To allow the District Council to consult on the Draft SPDs.

Options considered:

Cabinet has already agreed to produce SPDs on Solar Energy and Affordable Housing therefore no alternative options have been considered at this point. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07pm and reconvened at 8:15pm.