Agenda item

The Committee considered a report that sought Member’s views on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for housing prior to the Cabinet meeting on 20th September which would decide whether to commence a public consultation.

The Planning Policy Manager summarised the report and highlighted the context that there was a shortage of housing in Slough to meet the needs of our growing young population and that there was a particular need for more family housing.  Most sites in Slough were not suited to delivering family housing but it should be viable to provide such housing and affordable housing on greenfield sites.  Members noted that around 250 houses could be built on “suitable” sites set out in the report and 350 on “possible” sites.

The proposed consultation was an important part of the Local Plan by demonstrating progress in considering all options to bring forward sites and helping to defend the other elements of the Spatial Strategy such as protecting the suburbs and cross border expansion of Slough.  The sites contained in the consultation had been assessed using a range of planning criteria and had been subject to two previous consultations. A ‘traffic light’ system was used following a preliminary assessment to indicate whether it was considered sites were ‘suitable’, ‘possible’ or ‘unsuitable’.  The Officer reviewed the list of sites based on this initial assessment.  The Committee was asked to note and comment on the proposed consultation.

Members recognised the sensitivity of the release of Green Belt land and noted the process that had been outlined.  Technical assessments would need to be carried out for each site and they could only be released if there were exceptional reasons.  It was confirmed that if any future decision was made to release any of the sites for development it would be for family housing, which could include apartments of a suitable size.  A number of questions and comments were made about specific sites during the course of the discussion, including the suitability of land south of Blenheim Road which was adjacent to the Kings Reach housing development released from the Green Belt in the 2004 Local Plan.  The Leader of the Council was present to listen to the comments of the Planning Committee and he emphasised that this was the start of a consultation process and it was hoped there would be a high level of public engagement and feedback.

At the conclusion of the discussion the Committee noted the arrangements for the proposed consultation.

Resolved –

(a)  That the proposed consultation on the release of Green Belt sites for family housing be noted.

(b)  That the comments of the committee on the report and proposed consultation be forwarded to the meeting of the Cabinet on 20th September.