Agenda item

(a)  That the Draft Consultation Document in Appendix A be agreed as the basis for public consultation on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for family housing.

(b)  That delegated powers be given to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning & Place, to make minor changes to the document.

(c)  That delegated powers be given to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning & Place, to make all of the necessary arrangements for a (minimum) six week public consultation exercise on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for family housing.

The Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning and Place and the Planning Policy Manager introduced a report that sought approval to commence a consultation on the release of Green Belt land for family housing.  The consultation was part of the wider work to develop the Local Plan.

The Lead Member emphasised that consultation was the start of the process and that no decisions on specific sites had been taken.  It was recognised that Green Belt release was a sensitive issue and residents were strongly encouraged to respond to the consultation.  The Officer highlighted that approximately 90% of new housing units in Slough in recent years had been flats by nature of the sites and developments coming forward.  The provision of more family housing was an important priority for the Council to provide a mix of housing in Slough.  Any release of Green Belt land would require exceptional reasons.

The Cabinet agreed the consultation and discussed some specific issues relating to some of the sites detailed in the report.  Each site had been categorised following an initial assessment although it was recognised a significant amount of technical work would be needed and considered alongside the results of the public consultation.  Lead Members commented on the importance of securing affordable provision and prioritising local people.

In response to a question from Councillor Strutton under Rule 30 it was confirmed that the Green Belt consultation was not connected to the need to sell land as a result of the Council’s financial position.

At the conclusion of the discussion the recommendations were agreed, subject to an amendment to the title of the portfolio holder in (b) and (c) which should be the Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning & Place.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Draft Consultation Document in Appendix A be agreed as the basis for public consultation on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for family housing.

(b)  That delegated powers be given to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning & Place, to make minor changes to the document.

(c)  That delegated powers be given to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, Highways, Planning & Place, to make all of the necessary arrangements for a (minimum) six week public consultation exercise on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for family housing.