Agenda item

On 16 January 2016 Full Council approved submission of the draft Development Management Policies Development Plan Document to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. Subsequently, hearing sessions on the Plan were held on 3 and 4 May 2016. Having taken account of all the representations, both in writing and at the Hearing, the Inspector has advised the Council to consult on proposed Main Modifications to the Plan for a 6 week period ending 26 July. The committee is requested to consider the proposed Main Modifications.

Paul Lewin (Planning Policy and Projects Manager) introduced the report which reminded the committee that on 16 January 2016 Full Council approved submission of the draft Development Management Policies Development Plan Document to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. Subsequently, hearing sessions on the Plan were held on 3 May and 4 May 2016. Having taken account of all the representations, both in writing and at the Hearing, the Inspector advised the council to consult on proposed Main Modifications to the Plan for a six week period ending 8 August. The report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environmental Services requested the committee to consider the proposed Main Modifications.

Paul Lewin reminded the committee that this was the Development Management Plan for the borough, replacing the Unitary Development Plan and that at an advanced stage amendments had been requested and he outlined the areas concerned.

Members questioned ways of including in DMP 14 requirements for infrastructure provision at an early stage of housing development or at pre-planning stage, the definition of affordability in terms of housing and whether the levels were realistic, particularly for existing residents, and what were the mechanisms in place to reach the maximum target of 50% of housing in a major development to be affordable.

Paul Lewin clarified that DMP 14 was specifically concerned with potential uses of employment sites, many of which were small. The requirements for housing development were covered by wider policies plans and strategies, both borough and London wide however CIL funding could be spent on infrastructure. Regarding affordability, Paul Lewin referred to national planning guidance regarding social rent and the market. He acknowledged that the definition of affordable rented dwellings, as up to 80% market rent, was debateable as to providing an affordable product that met local needs however efforts were made to ensure that the rents were below Benefits Cap levels. The committee agreed that that affordability in Brent needed to be considered and Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Regeneration and Growth, Employment and Skills) confirmed that it was under debate, including the need for housing development. Paul Lewin advised that the Strategic Housing Market Assessment testing revealed that 50% of the population could not afford to meet their housing needs on the open market in Brent. Efforts were made to cap rents to affordable levels but instead the definition of rents had extended and was increasing. Paul Lewin clarified that the 50% affordable policy was London wide and a viability assessment could be carried out to establish if the percentage of affordable housing in a development was a maximum level. Most sites would not be able to achieve more than 50% and he felt that to increase the percentage would not be feasible.  Councillor Mashari added that discussions were taking place with the interim Head of Planning over the possibility of members having more involvement and influence at an earlier stage in the planning process.

Members raised the question of public houses under DMP 21 and Paul Lewin clarified that it was not uncommon for former public house premises to be treated as having community value. This policy allowed developers wishing to build housing on former public house sites on the basis of non-viability, to be challenged. Members welcomed the policy which helped protect public assets for communities and heard that the council had a joint position with CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) which was consistent with London wide approach and would also add weight to premises in conservation areas. The Chair indicated that he would ensure more detail on the council’s pub protection policy would be included in a report to a future meeting.

The question was raised on DMP 3 regarding non-retail use and limiting the number of betting shops adult gaming centre and pawn brokers to 3% and 4% and Councillor Mashari advised that this was also referred to in the financial inclusion strategy. Regarding restricting the number of takeaways within 400m of a secondary school entrance/exit, members heard that to draw the line wider than 400m had been assessed but was not considered appropriate as it led to almost total borough coverage and would be regarded as unduly restrictive. However it was still felt that the matter should be looked at.

Members noted that the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) Local Plan would have a huge impact on the development policies in Brent but expressed a desire to learn more about the project. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Butt, the council’s representative on the OPDC assured that Brent’s interests were put at the forefront of every meeting in particular housing and nomination rights, employment and transportation. He was working closely with other council leaders to achieve the best outcomes. The possibility of CIL funding being obtained in advance was raised and Paul Lewin clarified that the OPDC CIL would come forward at the same time as the local plan. The committee noted that the Planning Strategy would be considered in September and agreed that OPDC should be added to the agenda.

Mr Faraz Baber (Sudbury resident) advised that the new Mayor of London had issued a two monthly review for representations on the project. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Butt, added that he was due to meet the Mayor of London and would take the opportunity to raise front loading funding and hoped to be able to report back. The Chair contributed that he would have discussions with the Head of Strategy and Partnerships on means of ensuring that members were well briefed given the importance of the issue.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the report be noted;

(ii)        that information on the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) Local Plan be added to the agenda into the on the council’s planning strategy due for discussion at the September meeting;

(iii)       that a report be presented to the September meeting on the council’s pub protection policy.