Memorandum by North Somerset Council (PI
43)
I enclose correspondence relating to the concerns
raised by North Somerset in respect of the Local Plan Inquiry
held between November 1995 and January 1997.[80]
The Inspector's report was not received until September 1998.
The Council was concerned that it included recommendations for
a considerable number of housing allocations on mainly rural greenfield
sites identified by objectors, but apparently in conflict with
emerging Government Policy as expressed in the White Paper "Planning
for the Communities of the Future", and in draft revised
PPG3, and developed in the emerging Joint Replacement Structure
Plan's Locational Strategy for the former Avon area.
Whilst there was dispute about the land available
for housing, which underlay his recommendations, there was little
evidence of the Inspector having addressed the locational issues
inherent in Government policy and more reasonably recommending
the Council to investigate remedying the apparent shortfall in
provision. The lengthy reporting time has substantially delayed
the process, and this, together with nature of the housing site
recommendations, with which the Council could not agree, has unsatisfactorily
prolonged the plan preparation process. It has also incurred the
Council additional costs, a fact recognised by the Inspectorate
in their offer of a reduction on the final bill. Substantial costs
continue to be incurred, however, in the defence of Section 78
appeals at Public Inquiries relating to applications on these
sites.
I enclose a copy of the Director's letters to
the Inspectorate and to the Chief Planning Inspector and the replies
received.
80 Ev. not printed. Back
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