Decision details

[Councillor Woodward declared a personal interest as Leader of a District Council. Councillor Heron declared a personal interest as both a planning consultant and a member of a District Council]

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment updating Cabinet on changes to the Planning System, Major Developments and Infrastructure Funding.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor House addressed Cabinet. He welcomed the report and highlighted a number of points regarding the dual planning and housing responsibilities of District councils. It was suggested that housing allocations would be better decided locally or regionally within a wider national target and recognised that developer contributions needed to be shared consistently.

The key aspects of the forthcoming changes arising through new legislation were highlighted with reference to the report. It was confirmed that the Government’s new distribution formula has the effect of pushing development to more rural areas, which contradicts other policies. A number of major developments in Hampshire were set out. Members heard that there was an opportunity to take advantage of a return to Section 106 developer contributions, which had been successful in the past and therefore should be utilised for as long as possible.

Cabinet welcomed the report and supported a return to Section 106 funding as well as the progress of the major developments. Members agreed that local determination of housing need and distribution would better meet local requirements. There was concern that the changes would add to uncertainty and reduce the delivery of housing and also disappointment that the changes did not include a requirement for fibre broadband as an essential service.

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.