07/10/2013 SC Minutes
Minutes of the Shadwell Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Held on Monday, 7 October 2013 at Shadwell Library
PRESENT: Debbie Potter (Chair), Robert Dyson, Ian Halmshaw, Andy McKinley, Alice Pratt, Denise Simpson, Jeremy Thompson, Denise Trickett
APOLOGIES: George Crowther, Steve Gee, Helen Jordan , Nick Manaton, Graham Smith
IN ATTENDANCE: Ian Mackay – LCC
Item 1 – Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes from 10 September 2013 were approved
Item 2 – Vision and Objectives document
The document produced by the working group was discussed and some further amendments were suggested and agreed. The top 20 concerns produced by JT from the survey will also be included. AM will update this document and re-issue it to the Group.
Item 3 – Ian Mackay
Ian Mackay was introduced to the Group. He gave an update on the general situation with the Council’s Core Strategy document which is currently under Examination. He believes there will be no significant move in the number of houses required in Leeds and, consequently, believes that Shadwell will remain as taking no extra housing. (NB, subsequent to this meeting, at the Examination it was stated that Edge Analytics have revised housing requirement figures for Leeds and now suggest that 50,000 is probably sufficient, rather than the 70,000 originally proposed, which means that there is no need to consider producing a “Plan B”)
IM recommends that we should have a vision of how we wish Shadwell to develop over the next 20 years. This would help with the preparation of the NP. He suggested that the Group undertakes a SWOT analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. IM offered to look at the results of this exercise. The results of this could form the basis of our next drop-in session. IM offered to help with a drop in session with promotional material and with personnel.
IM reminded the Group of the Basic Conditions which we should bear in mind during the process. These are:
- General Conformity with National Planning Policy Framework
- General Conformity with Local Plan – Core Policy
- EU and Human Rights application
- Promotion of Sustainable Development.
IM agreed to read our Vision and Objectives document when it has been further amended and will offer comments in writing.
There was some discussion about what our NP is now for, bearing in mind that the number one concern as expressed in the survey, namely the protection of the green belt and no large new housing developments, is in complete accordance with our local section of the Site Allocation Plan in the Core Strategy. IM asked if we had supported this, which we have, but with some concerns about the impact on Shadwell of adjoining sites such as Redhall. IM also asked if the Parish Council had given its formal support, which was confirmed by DP.
Item 4 - Professional Help
IM agrees with our view that we need professional planning, and possibly statistical advice, and was surprised that this had not been forthcoming from Locality. He agreed to speak to them on our behalf to ascertain whether help could be made available through Planning Aid. Failing that, he will arrange for a post-graduate student to help us. It was noted that we have already allocated funds from the Grant for professional help.
Item 5 - Locality Grant
It appears that this has not yet been formally accepted by the Parish Council. JT will liaise with the clerk to ensure that this is carried out urgently.
Item 6 – Group Membership
DP reminded members that their addresses and phone numbers are required. These will be lodged with the Parish Council clerk as part of the terms of the Locality Grant acceptance
Item 7 – Constitution
This was agreed, with the addition of the date of adoption being 10 September 2013.
Item 8 – Finance
DP reported that our funds are still at an acceptable level – some ₤400 in the bank. Any substantial expenditure will not take place until the Grant is received.
Item 9 – Matters arising
RD had been approached by a resident who owns a parcel of land and who would be happy for retirement housing to be built there. This land had not been included in the Site Allocations Plan and was in the green belt with no access. The kind offer has been noted, but there are obvious concerns about the viability of the site.
Item 10 – Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 29 October: Agenda item – SWOT analysis.
The following meeting will be on Tuesday 3 December.