Agenda item

M69 Junction 2 - Strategic Development Area.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 3 and 10 of Schedule 12A.)

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered an exempt joint report of the Director of Corporate Resources and the Chief Executive seeking approval for the proposed approach to the promotion and delivery of the M69 Junction 2 Strategic Development Area (SDA).  A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda item 19’, is filed with these minutes. The report was not for publication by virtue of paragraphs 3 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

Members noted comments from the local member, Mrs. Maggie Wright CC, a copy of which is filed with these minutes.  In response to these, the Director explained

that by collaborating with other landowners, the County Council could ensure that the appropriate infrastructure was provided for the development, that the siting of new development would have due regard to existing communities, and that local residents, parish councils and community groups were fully and regularly consulted.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)        That the Council’s land situated to the west of Stoney Stanton (shown in pink on the plan attached as Appendix A to the report) continues to be promoted as part of a policy-compliant and financially viable Strategic Development Area within the emerging Blaby District Local Plan;

 

(b)        That the financial and resource implications arising from the SDA scheme, in particular those arising from the growth infrastructure requirements set out in paragraphs 52-62 of the report, be noted;

 

(c)        The proposed approach to the promotion, planning and delivery of the SDA, set out in paragraphs 45-51 of the report, be approved, noting that this will be further developed by the Director of Corporate Resources in collaboration with the Chief Executive and the Director of Environment and Transport and other partners as the scheme progresses;

 

(d)        That the Director of Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, be authorised:

 

i.       to undertake the necessary work to progress a) and c) above, including the procurement of specialist advice on the development of the necessary legal agreements and planning promotion documentation together with feasibility and viability appraisals;

 

ii.      following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources, to enter into such collaboration and other legal agreements with other landowners, developers and promoters as are necessary to facilitate delivery of the SDA scheme; and,

 

iii.     following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources, to acquire such further interests in land within the SDA as he considers necessary to secure its inclusion in the emerging Blaby District Local Plan and delivery of the scheme, subject to the total capital cost and associated planning and promotion costs not exceeding £3.0 million;

 

(e)        It be noted that further reports will be presented to the Cabinet and the Scrutiny Commission as appropriate regarding progress with the scheme.

          

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To protect the County Council’s existing property interests in the area and demonstrate its commitment to the delivery of growth in line with the aspirations of its Strategic Plan and the wider Strategic Growth Plan.

 

To further the inclusion of the proposed SDA in the emerging Blaby District Local Plan thereby maximising the benefits to the Authority and the wider County.

 

To provide a structured framework on which to base the ongoing promotion and delivery of the scheme.  The allocation of resources to support the acquisition of land available within the SDA and other interests will help ensure inclusion of the SDA within the Local Plan, support delivery of the proposed approach and help generate increased financial returns for the County Council.

 

Having a clear, agreed approach will also ensure there is effective governance of the project and this will facilitate and support the co-ordination of the delivery of enabling and community infrastructure.