The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report which provided a summary of the draft Local Plan, which would be issued for public consultation in the summer. It covered the main elements of the housing, employment, retail and gypsy and traveller strategies, together with an update on the potential housing figure and further information on the potential ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ sites. It was noted that ‘exceptional circumstances’ had not yet been tested.  It also provided an update on the recent member briefings, where Officers had outlined the sites that would be included in the consultation and the proposed public and stakeholder consultation strategy which would run for 8 weeks from Monday 16 July 2018 (which tied in with the publication of ‘InShape’) to Monday 10 September 2018 (extended by two weeks to take into account the school summer holidays).   Consultation events would also be held.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance spoke in relation to Land South and East of Four Elms Road, Edenbridge, in relation to his support for physically disabled access to the down line at Edenbridge Town Station.  The Portfolio Holder for Planning indicated his support for new infrastructure in the District.

The Planning Policy Team Leader read out a statement received from NHS Property Services and NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which will be included in the consultation document: ‘There is no plan to dispose of Sevenoaks Hospital or use the site for housing at this time. In partnership with NHS West Kent CCG, site owners NHS Property Services responded to Sevenoaks District Council’s Local Plan consultation to say that if any part of the site were no longer needed for healthcare, then it should be considered for alternative use, including housing. NHS Property Services only disposes of a site once the organisations that plan and pay for local healthcare (clinical commissioning groups and NHS England) declare it surplus to the needs of the NHS. Sevenoaks Hospital has not been declared surplus to NHS requirements.’

It was noted that the Planning Advisory Committee had considered the same report and had agreed to recommend it to Cabinet.  The Chairman of the Planning Advisory Committee spoke on this item.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That the Draft Local Plan 2015 – 2035 document be agreed for public consultation and the Local Plan timetable (LDS) be agreed.