Prior to the report’s introduction, Councillor Peter Coulling addressed the Committee.

The Strategic Planning Manager introduced the report and stated that the ongoing Regulation 19 ‘draft for submission’ documents public consultation would end on 12 December 2021. Approximately 670 representations had been received so far and the processing of the representations continued alongside the first stage of analysis. Significantly more representations were expected before the consultation’s close.

The comments made within the representations included the amount of housing proposed, the proposals within the Regulation 19 document, concerns on the impact of growth on the environment, particularly in relation to the Heathlands and Lidsing Garden Communities and the provision of infrastructure.

In response to a query, the Head of Planning and Development stated that the responses received to the public consultations would be considered by the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

In response to the public speaker, several Members of the committee expressed support for a reduced housing figure. However, the figure provided had been set by the Government. The importance of submitting a representation to the public consultation was highlighted.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.