Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director City Development.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the content of the ‘Exeter Plan: Full Draft Consultation Statement’ (Appendix A) be noted as the document to be used to inform the preparation of the final draft of the emerging Exeter Plan..

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report on the consultation held between September 2023 and January 2024 on the full draft of the emerging Exeter Plan for the city and the evaluation of the consultation responses received.

Members noted that this was the third major consultation undertaken on the draft plan and the first to include all the details of a full plan. Attention would now turn to the preparation of a final draft for a fourth consultation later this year before submission to the planning inspectorate for examination. Members were also advised that the Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly climate adaptation emergency strategy would be a part of the evidence base of the local plan.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the consultation used new methods of engagement, including coffee mornings, social media, and different venues;

·         a full audio version of the documentation had been made available online, to enhance engagement;

·         the consultation in numbers and responses were outlined in the report;

·         positive support was received for the approaches set out in the quick questions, particularly in relation to energy efficiency and renewable and to the Council’s brownfield approach. A firm level of support for development at higher density and height was identified in the appropriate context;

·         41 of the 61 topic-based policies had been well received;

·         the responses to development site proposals generally demonstrated support for brownfield sites; and

·         there was a slight reduction in the level of consultation responses compared to the previous consultations.

Opposition group leaders spoke on the item and made the following points:-

·         Cllr Moore – thanked officers for the work undertaken but noted a number of issues requiring more discussion within the Council before the next draft. It was noted the local plan would go to one scrutiny committee and an ongoing series of monthly Planning Member Working Group meetings, but an agreed process for more Member inclusion was needed.

·         Cllr Mitchell – thanked the officers for the work undertaken and welcomed options for Member involvement, including a Members’ briefing or forum on the matter before a full Council debate.

During the discussion, the following points were made:

·         officers were thanked for the work undertaken and the detailed report was commended;

·         Members needed to contribute to the consultations before a final version was received by full Council;

·         it would be welcomed in future reports where any key changes or differences were; and

·         having residents respond and engage with the consultation had helped shape and develop the plan.

The Leader agreed that Councillors had a role in the development of the local plan, but the current stage of the process was on listening to residents. Planning Member Working Groups would be holding informative sessions on the matter as it progressed, which were open to all Members. He agreed he would look at how Councillor engagement would be taken forward.

The Leader moved, and Councillor Wright seconded, the recommendations which were voted upon and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the content of the ‘Exeter Plan: Full Draft Consultation Statement’ (Appendix A) be noted as the document to be used to inform the preparation of the final draft of the emerging Exeter Plan.