BOROUGH OF POOLE

CABINET

2 NOVEMBER 2004

STRATEGIC PLANNING – ARRANGEMENTS AND REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY OPTIONS: REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR LOCAL ECONOMY (INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION)

1.PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To confirm the Council’s position on the future of the Deposit Replacement Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan.

1.2 To consider changes to the arrangements for Strategic Planning in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole and to agree new structures for implementing those arrangements.

1.3 To consider the South West Regional Assembly’s Consultation Document: Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026: Possible Development Strategies for the Region.

2.DECISIONS REQUIRED

2.1 That Cabinet endorse the resolution of the Structure Plan Joint Committee that the remaining stages of the replacement Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan be not completed and that resources be redirected to promoting the sub-regions best interests through the new regional and sub-regional planning processes.

2.2 That the current Structure Plan Joint Committee, Strategic Planning Liaison Committee and Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Joint Member Transport Group be replaced by the arrangements proposed in section 4 of the report (attached to the Cabinet Agenda).

2.3 That Cabinet be made aware of the grave concerns expressed by The Local Economy Overview Group on the proposed reporting arrangements and that urgent and strong representations are made to the Regional Assembly and local MP’s on the guidance we have received.

2.4 That Cabinet be recommended to submit a response to the South West Regional Assembly’s Consultation Document – Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026: Possible Development Strategies for the Region, based on sections 5, 6 and 7 of the report (attached to the Cabinet Agenda).

3.BACKGROUND/INFORMATION

3.1 The Local Economy Overview Group, at its meeting on 28 October 2004, considered the report of the Head of Strategic Planning Services on the above.

3.2 At its meeting on 27 September the Structure Plan Joint Committee accepted the unanimous view of the three Strategic Planning Authorities that work cease on the replacement Structure Plan and Cabinet is asked to endorse that decision.

3.3 The Structure Plan Joint Committee has recommended new structures and the setting up of:

(i) The Dorset Planning and Transportation Committee, which is an informal Forum consisting of two Elected Members from each of the County Council, Bournemouth and Poole Councils, and the six Dorset Districts. Its remit is to agree, on a consensus basis, common responses to regional consultations and to consider common policy approaches for inclusion in Local Development Framework.

(ii) The South East Dorset Strategic Planning and Transportation Joint Committee, which is the successor to the Structure Plan Joint Committee, has a remit to develop sub-regional advice to the Regional Assembly, as part of preparation of the Regional Spatial Strategy, and has responsibility for preparing the new South East Dorset Local Transport Plan. The Joint Committee would be advised by two Advisory Groups: the first would focus on the proposed South East Dorset Sub-Regional Study and its composition is as detailed in the report submitted by the Head of Strategic Planning Services. The second would include strategic transport providers, and would focus on the LTP.

3.4 However, the Head of Strategic Planning Services stated that the Regional Assembly had regarded the Sub Regional Study Advisory Group as the Steering Group for that Study, and its findings would be submitted direct to the Assembly. The Strategic Authorities, under the auspices of the proposed new Joint Committee, would then submit its “advice” to the Assembly, which may or may not reflect the Study itself.

3.5 This process differed from what had been envisaged previously, in that it had been expected that the Advisory Group would report to the Joint Committee. It was felt that the proposed process was unacceptable and the Local Economy Overview Group asked that the Cabinet should be made aware of its concerns.

3.6 The Head of Strategic Planning Services emphasised that it was vital to be involved in the setting up of the new arrangements. It was felt that failure to be involved would jeopardise funding opportunities in the LTP and Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West.

3.7 The Local Economy Overview Group also considered the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006 to 2026: Possible Development Strategies for the Region and, on balance, supported Option 3 as it was felt that some sustainable growth was essential.

Councillor Ron Parker

Portfolio Holder for Local Economy (including Transportation)

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