Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a *report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration requesting approval for the use of an external consultant to prepare a Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document for Mid Devon.

The Forward Planning Team Leader outlined the contents of the report stating that the proposal was to expand on existing and proposed planning policy through a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to provide detailed guidance on urban, village and rural design issues in Mid Devon.  It was intended that the SPD would raise design awareness and standards through the planning process; suitable external consultants would be required to prepare such a document.  He outlined the processes (including stakeholder involvement and consultation) that would take place with regard to the creation of the SPD.

Consideration was given to:

·         Concerns that the design of development on the Eastern Urban Extension in Tiverton was already underway and therefore would there be 2 styles of development across the district?

·         The need to have regard to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  together with a further possible AONB proposal within the Exe Valley.

·         The hope that the design guide would work alongside documents already in place.

RESOLVEDthat:  the commissioning of a suitable external consultant to prepare the Mid Devon Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Notes: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.