Prior to the report’s introduction Mr Steve Heely addressed the Committee on behalf of the Save Our Heathlands Action Group.

The Director of Regeneration and Place introduced the report and stated that option agreements for over 30% of the land needed had been signed between Homes England and the landowners. The location and date of the proposed public engagement exercises would be confirmed in the near future.

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) had requested further evidence on the proposed development, which included the potential achievement of nutrient neutrality, the extraction of minerals to dovetail with new development on the site and a supplementary planning document.

Reference was made to the railway transport options as outlined in the report, with reassurance given that it was standard practice for all options to be outlined and considered; there was however evidence to support a commercially viable railway station in Heathlands with no changes to the existing stations. Homes England had commissioned the preparation of a further detailed strategic outline business case to be submitted to the LPA.

The Committee would be considering a town planning strategy document for the site in the future.

Several Members felt that further information on the proposal and the progress made, particularly in relation to the options agreements and the potential railway station, should be provided to the Committee in the near future. 

The importance and standing of Homes England as the Council’s partner for the proposal was reiterated.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.