Agenda item

Option 1: To endorse the formal commencement of work on the statutory stages of preparing the Lancaster South Area Action Plan in accordance with the commitment described in the adopted Local Plan for Lancaster District and the timetable provided in the Lancaster District Local Development Scheme (LDS) as approved by Council on 29 July 2020.

Advantages: This will enable the Council to move from the current Local Plan position of an identified Broad Location for Growth in Lancaster South to one where land is formally allocated with accompanying polices with development plan weight, including on securing community benefits. This will enable the delivery of development needs during both the period of the current Local Plan and for many years beyond. Evidence of the intention to progress development plan policy in Lancaster South will support the case that has been made by the County Council for national funding contributions transport related infrastructure in Lancaster district.

Disadvantages: None apparent. To not progress with an AAP, that accompanies and supports the Masterplan and Design Code, means that it will remain wholly unclear how the delivery of development requirements in Lancaster south is to be realised. The absence of development plan policies would leave the Council more exposed to development proposals being brought forward on sites that are not identified by the just-adopted Local Plan.

Risks: There are challenges and costs associated with preparing the AAP that will enable the implementation of a Masterplan for Lancaster South in accordance with a Design Code, however, if the Council is to achieve development needed to meet the needs of the community and economy these challenges and costs are unavoidable. The preparation of an APP takes time as a consequence of the regulatory obligations on consultation, submission, and independent examination. Development proposals may have to be determined whilst the AAP is still in progress. The Council can also anticipate challenge from residents, who may not be supportive of development in this area, and from developers who may not be supportive of the expectations that policy in support of a holistic new settlement Masterplan and Design Code will place upon their development proposals.

Option 2: To not endorse the formal commencement of work on the statutory stages of preparing the Lancaster South Area Action Plan in accordance with the commitment described in the adopted Local Plan for Lancaster District and the timetable provided in the Lancaster District Local Development Scheme (LDS) as approved by Council on 29 July 2020.

Advantages: None apparent.

Disadvantages: The community, developers and stakeholders would be left wholly unsure about how the Council intends to achieve the delivery of development in Lancaster South in accordance with an overall plan. Infrastructure funders and developers would be left unsure as to this Council’s commitment and timetable for achieving development in Lancaster south. To proceed with the commitment to prepare an further Development Plan Document would mean that planning proposals in south Lancaster would have to be determined in accordance with policy within existing Development Plan Documents, notably Policy SG1 of the adopted Local Plan. Policy SG1 only identifies a Broad Location for Growth and a Page 70 series of broad development principles. It would be very challenging to determine development proposals for a new settlement on only the principles established to date.

Risks: Lack of progress in advancing the development plan position will make it difficult to determine planning proposals that come forward in Lancaster south. Lack of an overall plan for the area will mean that development proposals will come forward as individual proposals and not contribute well to the achievement of a distinctive new community or realise community benefits such as contributions to education and affordable housing. An inability to demonstrate how progress is to be made on achieving development in the Broad Location for Growth will leave the district more open to proposals coming forward on sites that are not identified in the Local Plan.