September 2021 Notes Scothern NDP Group
Meeting of Scothern Neighbourhood Development Plan group on Tuesday 15th September 2021 at Methodist Church, High Street, Scothern
Present: Luke Brown (planning consultant), Cllr Robert Creaser, Cllr John Fotheringham, Jane Johnson, Cllr Cathie Nicoll, Ruth Northeast, Melanie Tointon
Cathie Nicoll gave an overview of the public meeting called on 11th August by the Parish Council to discuss the draft Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP) particularly in relation to the allocation of the further two development sites in Scothern. Three residents supported one of the sites, but the majority objected to both sites. A formal response was subsequently drawn up by the Parish Council and copies were circulated to members of this group for information.
Luke Brown outlined how the CLLP will proceed. The next stage of the CCLP will be published in November taking into consideration the responses from the public including the one from Scothern Parish Council. At this stage we will know whether 1,2 or no extra development sites have been allocated for Scothern.
Luke has looked at our original NDP and made alterations with respect to legislative changes. Note that a Government White Paper on planning is due to come out soon.
To progress the review we would look to -
Consult on housing need and on the sites and design of any developments
The document would then go for public consultation on the draft followed by a full referendum.
Ruth Northeast suggested that a new housing survey would be useful in Scothern. In the last round of building a large number of 4/5 bedroomed properties have been built and not many 2/3 bedroomed properties. In the original Scothern NDP it was stated that a mix of housing was desirable to give opportunity for young people and older ones wishing to downsize to remain in the village. It would be useful to have a breakdown of the existing number of properties in each of the size categories in the village.
We would also look to have a Design and Character Code. This is an enhanced design and character assessment which would be hold more weight in the planning process. There should be public consultation as to what would be desirable and/or acceptable to residents. There is funding to engage professionals to undertake this work. Luke to forward an example for information.
In view of the pressing problem of climate change the new plan should encourage developers to build Eco homes incorporating sustainable technologies eg solar panels, heat pumps, electric car charging points etc.
Next steps
Housing Needs survey - Melanie to find the original questionnaire from 2015
Design Code – Luke to forward example for information
Next meeting to be held on Wednesday 20th October 2021 at 7.30pm at Methodist Church
POST MEETING NOTE – Luke confirms that we have been awarded a £10k grant to complete the review of the Scothern Neighbourhood Development Plan