An apology for absence was received from Councillor Hanton.

There were no declarations of interest declared at the meeting.

The Committee received and considered the Principal Strategic Planners report which set out to advise Members on the proposed scheme of delegation for the Council's future decisions in relation to neighbourhood development plans.

Councillor Walker asked for clarification in relation to the difference between the proposed Neighbourhood Plans and Parish Council plans, and it was advised that Parish Council plans were non statutory plans.

Councillor K Grey asked what costs would be incurred by the Council and she was advised that the Council could apply for government grants.

RESOLVED :

That the Economic Development Committee agrees that the following scheme of delegation for progressing neighbourhood plans be recommended to the Constitution Working Party and Council, including any necessary changes to the Council Constitution required to implement it:

1 (a) Relevant Committee:

i.) Whether, in light of the Examiner’s recommendations, a Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum, and if so whether any changes must first be made to it.

1 (b) Growth Group Manager (or such person s/he may delegate to), in consultation with the Chair of the relevant Committee;

i) Designation of a Neighbourhood Forum

ii) Designation of a Neighbourhood Area

iii) Formal response to submitted Neighbourhood Plan

iv) Bringing a neighbourhood plan into force following a successful referendum 

1 (c) Growth Group Manager (or such person s/he may delegate to):

i) Informal comments on emerging neighbourhood plans

ii) Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening (and similar) of Neighbourhood Plans

iii) Formal Response to Pre-Submission Consultation on a Neighbourhood Plan

iv) Publication of a submitted Neighbourhood Plan

v) Appointment of independent examiner

 Making such detailed changes to the Neighbourhood Plan as required by the Committee decision, together with any consequent adjustments and/or minor corrections or improvements required.

2) That the relevant Council Committee for neighbourhood development plan matters be the same as that for local plans.

The Committee received and considered the Transformation Programme Managers report which set out proposals for a consultation process in relation to the draft Town Centre Master Plan.

Councillor Reynolds raised concern in relation to potential conflicts within the GY BID, Market Place BID and the Tourist BID Areas.

Councillor Bensly asked for clarification as to whether there would be an all Member briefing available for Members not on the Committee to look at the master plan, and this was confirmed.

Councillor Walch raised concern in relation to compensation and was advised that this matter would be addressed at a later date.

RESOLVED :

That the Committee note the content of the Transformation Programme Managers report and agree to the consultation process as detailed within the report.