To consider the submitted report on the above Policy Framework document.

Following the adoption of the Torbay Local Plan 2012-2030 and the submission of the Community Infrastructure Levy, the Council considered the submitted report setting out a review of the Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance.  Members noted the document set out the Council’s approach to developer contributions for both commercial and residential properties.

Councillor King proposed and Councillor Mills seconded the motion, as set out below:

(i)         that following consideration of representations made on the Draft Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), the SPD be adopted, with minor modifications, as a Supplementary Planning Document as set out in Appendix 3 to the submitted report;  and

(ii)        that the Executive Head of Business Services, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Planning, Transport and Housing, be given delegated powers to make minor amendments to the document to ensure legibility and clarity. 

During the debate Councillor Thomas (D) proposed and Councillor Lewis seconded an objection to the motion as set out below:

that the Council formally objects to the adoption of the Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document on the basis that the officer recommendation should be adopted by Council as follows:

3.3       that following Consideration of representations received on the Draft Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), the SPD be adopted, with minor modifications, as a Supplementary Planning Document as set out in Appendix 3 to the submitted report except that the threshold for provision of affordable housing in paragraph 3.4 of the SPD, and accompanying text elsewhere, be amended to 3 instead of 11 to ensure that the document adheres to the affordable housing thresholds set out in Policy H2 of the Adopted Torbay Local Plan, i.e. 3 dwellings for greenfield sites and that the Written Ministerial Statement of 28 November 2014 should be noted in the SPD as a material consideration; and

3.4       that the Executive Head of Business Services, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Planning, Transport and Housing, be given delegated powers to make minor amendments to the document to ensure legibility and clarity.

In accordance with the Constitution at F4.9, the Council therefore requires the Mayor to consider this objection by 6 January 2017 and either:

a)         submit a revision of the Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document with the reasons for any amendments to the Council for its consideration;  or

b)        inform the Council of any disagreement that the Executive has with any of the Council’s objections and the Executive’s reasons for any such disagreement.

The objection (substantive motion) was then considered by members, which was agreed by Council (shown in bold text above).  The Mayor would consider the objection and publish his response by 6 January 2017 for consideration at the Extraordinary Council meeting on 19 January 2017.