Issue - meetings

The Cabinet were presented a report from the Director of Place which sought Members approval for commissioning consultants to assist in the preparation of a Crediton Town Centre Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Delivery Plan; and also sought Members endorsement of the geographic scope for the Crediton Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document.

It was highlighted that:

·        This work had been delayed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic but could now be resumed. This had provided an opportunity to reflect on additional challenges such as cost of living and climate change.

·        St Saviour’s Way Car Park was now included within the study area which also enabled a review of the car parking as part of this study.

Consideration was given to:

·        There was a need for a clear implementation plan. In addition, there was a need to make Crediton a place to visit for those that lived in the surrounding areas. 

·        Crediton is a hub for the Wards that surround the town.

RESOLVED: That

• That delegated authority be given to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, to engage consultants to assist with the preparation of a Crediton Town Centre Masterplan and Delivery Plan; and

• That the geographic scope in Appendix 1 be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr R Chesterton, seconded by Cllr S Penny)

Reason for decision – as set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Place.

The Cabinet were presented with a report from the Director of Place, which asked Cabinet to recommend to Council the adoption of the Crediton Neighbourhood Plan in order to meet the requirements of the relevant Acts and Regulations.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration noted the following:

• The Crediton Neighbourhood Plan was subject to a local referendum held on 22^nd September 2022, within the Crediton Parish Since 88.4 % of voters were in favour of the Crediton Neighbourhood Plan the plan had become part of the statutory development plan for the area.

• Applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicated otherwise. Policies of the Neighbourhood Plan would be used alongside policies in the adopted Mid Devon Local Plan, the Devon Minerals and Waste Plans, to help guide planning applications submitted to the Council for determination in the Crediton area.

• The Council must now formally adopt the Plan, however, the Council may refuse to make the Plan if it considered that making it would be a breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU obligations or any human rights obligations.

• Council officers hold the view that the making of the Plan would not breach these obligations. The Council must decide whether to make, or refuse to make, the Plan.

RESOLVED toRECOMMEND: To Council that

·        The Crediton Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix 1) is ‘made’ (adopted) and brought into force as part of the statutory development plan for the Crediton area.

·        The Crediton Neighbourhood Plan Adoption Decision Statement (Appendix 2) is published to meet the publicity requirements in the Regulations.

(Proposed by the Leader)