Public reports pack PDF 3 MB - Blaby District Council

3.
3.1
Reason for Decision Recommended
A Neighbourhood Plan is capable of becoming part of the Statutory
Development Plan for the area and therefore a material consideration in
the determination of planning applications. It is therefore appropriate for
there to be a mechanism whereby the Council, in line with the
Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012, can formally approve any
applications to be recognised as an ‘Qualifying Body’ or for an area to be
recognised as an ‘Appropriate Area’ for Neighbourhood planning purposes.
4. Forward Plan
4.1 This report has not been included in the last Forward Plan. It is a key
decision. The matter has become apparent since the publication of the
Forward Plan and because of the application from the Fosse Villages
Neighbourhood Group it is impracticable to defer the decision on this report
until after the operative date of the next Forward Plan on which it could
appear. Accordingly the General Exception Procedure contained in Part 4
Section 2 Paragraph 9 of the Constitution has been invoked to enable its
consideration. The Scrutiny Commissioners have been informed and public
notice has been given by posting it at the Council Offices.
5. Key Decision
5.1 Yes
6. Matters for Consideration
Main issues
6.1 The Localism Act 2011 devolves planning powers to Parish and Town
Councils or Neighbourhood Forums to lead on the preparation of
Neighbourhood Plans. These powers are outlined in detail in the
Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations which came into force on 6 th
April 2012. Neighbourhood planning is one of the five key measures in the
Localism Act and specifically relates to the production of Neighbourhood
Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build
Orders.
6.2 Blaby District Council has the responsibility as the local planning authority for
the area to determine applications for Neighbourhood Plan Areas. The
Council also has a general duty to support those preparing Neighbourhood
Plans. This is a new responsibility arising from the Localism Act.
Background Information
6.3 Neighbourhood planning is a key measure in the Localism Act 2012. It
devolves some of the responsibility to parish and town councils and
neighbourhood forums as “Qualifying Bodies.” Neighbourhood Plans are
required to be ‘pro-development.’ They cannot be used to stop development
already allocated or permitted and cannot propose less development than that
in the Local Plan Core Strategy. They can however propose more
development than allowed for in the Local Plan Core Strategy. This report
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