Issue - meetings

To advise members of the adoption of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West, the commencement of the Partial Review of that Strategy and the preparation of a Single Regional Strategy.

The Prosperity Block Lead submitted a paper for consideration of the adoption of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West, the commencement of the Partial Review of that Strategy and the preparation of a Single Regional Strategy.

It was noted that the Regional Spatial Strategy was called the North West of England Plan and had been published on 30 September 2008. The Plan provided a framework for development and investment in the North West region until 2021. Despite only just being published, a partial review of some items in the Plan had begun earlier in 2008. In particular it was noted that the scope of that review was now limited to Gypsies and Travellers, Travelling Show People and Regional Parking Standards.  4NW (the Regional Planning Body) were responsible for the partial review and a timetable for the review work would be circulated in due course.

Work had also commenced on a Single North West Regional Strategy.  An Issues and Principles paper was to be published in December 2008 and a consultation exercise on options and vision development would run between January and March 2009.  Further reports updating members on the Consultation would be presented to members in due course.

Given the importance of the North West of England Plan, Members requested the summary of its contents, as appended to the report, be circulated electronically as an Information Item to all members of the Council.

Members noted that Cheshire East would face a huge challenge as currently there were three different affordable housing policies across the County. It was important that a Core Strategy should be developed and any threshold be sensitive to local area needs.  It was expected that any guidance in respect of Retail investment or the average rate of housing provision from the Government Officer North West would be shared with the Planning Inspectorate to ensure consistency in decision making.

RESOLVED –that the contents of the report and attached appendix be noted and all members of the Council be sent an electronic copy of the Summary of the North West Plan as appended to the report.