Agenda Item 7 West of England Planning, Housing And
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Agenda Item 7 West of England Planning, Housing and Communities Board 27 June 2016 Joint Spatial Plan and Transport Study – Update on Consultation and Programme Purpose of Report 1. To present the results of the consultation on the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) and Joint Transport Study (JTS) that was undertaken between 9th November 2015 and 29th January 2016, and update members on next steps in the work programme for both work packages. Background 2. The JSP provides the joint framework to ensure development requirements come forward across the West of England authorities’ area up to 2036 in a co-ordinated manner. This co-operation on strategic planning matters is complemented by the approach which has been taken on strategic transport issues. A review of future strategic transport proposals is being undertaken through the JTS, to both inform future development proposals and develop future strategic transport proposals up to 2036, with delivery of this work coordinated with the JSP programme. 3. The councils are proposing to publish a Draft JSP Options document by Autumn 2016. The first stage in the preparation of the JSP was the publication of the Issues and Options (I&O) document, which highlighted the scale of the development issues and set out a range of potential locational options and spatial scenarios to address these. This consultation also covered the first stage of the JTS, and views were asked from stakeholders and the public on their perception of current challenges on the West of England’s transport network, JTS objectives and views on a range of interventions to address these challenges. The joint consultation was designed to comply with statutory planning requirements and exceeds the minimum requirements set out in each of the individual council’s Statements of Community Involvement (SCI). 4. The consultation started as planned on 9 November 2015 and closed on 29 January 2016. Awareness-raising was undertaken utilising both traditional media and social media. In total the consultation generated 125 separate pieces of press and media coverage in local papers, TV and radio. A full communications and engagement campaign was delivered via social media utilising Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, SlideShare and YouTube. Face to face events, stakeholder meetings and public roadshows were also used to not only raise awareness of the consultation but also to gather views and opinions. In total over 40 events and roadshows were arranged, which engaged with over a 1,000 people. 5. The JSP consultation received 899 responses, made up of responses to the three surveys (technical, public & young people) and representations made via letter, email, postcard and formal submissions. The JTS consultation received 1 644 responses, made up of responses to the survey and representations made via letter, email, postcards and formal submissions. 6. Emerging themes from the consultation on both work-streams were presented to members in March 2016. Since then, further assessment has been undertaken of each of the representations received, and responses to those representations which have been categorised by theme or survey question. A comprehensive summary of the results is outlined in the Consultation Report attached as Appendix 1, and key messages are outlined below. The full representations are available to view on the consultation website. Key issues from the consultation on the Joint Spatial Plan 7. Most respondents agreed that the critical spatial issues had been identified in the I&O report, and that the Vision and objectives were appropriate. Many respondents considered that the total housing forecast presented in the report was about right, although housing developers thought that too few homes were being planned for, and members of the public and some town and parish councils considered the planned figure was too high. 8. Establishing a realistic target for the proportion of homes that should be affordable attracted significant representation. Housing developers felt that a substantial increase in the total proposed housing number would be needed to ensure enough affordable homes would be built, although members of the public considered that developers should provide a higher amount of affordable housing as part of their schemes, and that local authorities should be given a greater role as builders of affordable homes themselves. 9. Most respondents felt that all the reasonable strategic locations had been identified, although a number of other locations were also suggested. Respondents also generally agreed that a priority to build more homes in Bristol and our main towns was appropriate, although caveats were expressed about how this would be achieved. For example, members of the public thought that delivering transport and other infrastructure improvements would be vital to support further homes in already congested areas. 10.Most respondents felt that a combination of locations in the spatial scenarios presented in the I&O report would be most likely to deliver the plan’s objectives. In the public survey, the `Transport Focussed’ scenario was chosen most frequently, either in combination with others or alone. Protection of Green Belt was the second most frequently picked, again either in combination or alone. Key Issues from the Consultation on the Joint Transport Study 11.The consultation on the JTS presented an assessment of current `issues’ on the West of England’s transport network, proposed study objectives and suggested a range of possible `concepts’ for new transport investment, across a range of modes, to stimulate discussion and suggestions for possible schemes. 2 12.There was overall agreement with the assessment of current issues identified on the transport network, and `congestion, reliability, resilience and connectivity’ was the issue clearly rated to be most important by respondents. The most important study objective was seen to be improving Quality of Life, followed by reducing carbon emissions. However, again all study objectives presented had significant support. 13.Of the range of potential transport concepts suggested, those seen as most important by respondents were strengthening and enhancing public transport corridors, walking and cycling `superhighways’, and extending the MetroWest local rail services. Improving freight routes and facilities was considered the least important of the transport concepts proposed in the consultation. A wide range of suggestions for further specific schemes was also tabled by respondents, and these further suggestions are also being assessed as part of the current study phase prior to the preparation of transport proposals. Next Steps in the Programme 14.The views and comments received through the consultation and engagement programme are being taken into account in the assessment of spatial scenarios for development and the formulation of potential transport interventions to address both current issues and forecast development impacts. 15.Technical work is still underway on the appraisal of potential spatial options and transport packages. It is proposed that a recommendation on options for the spatial scenario and transport proposals will be presented to members by the end of September 2016, prior to the commencement of public consultation in Autumn 2016. 16.Key milestones moving forward include: • the publication of, and consultation on, the draft JSP Options in Autumn 2016, together with a recommended package of complementary transport investment to address both current challenges on the network and the impact of forecast development; • Completion of the JTS by December 2016, taking account of consultation representations; • Further consultation on a revised JSP in Spring 2017; • Submission of the JSP to the Secretary of State by Summer 2017; and • Inclusion of the recommendations from the JTS in an updated Joint Local Transport Plan by end 2017. Environmental Impact Assessment 17.The I&O document included consideration of the environmental impacts of its locational options and spatial scenarios. The JTS will include a strategic environmental summary of its recommended approach and packages. Following the completion of the study, its recommendations will be taken into account in the updating of the current Joint Local Transport Plan and draft of the Joint Spatial Plan. These will both include a full Strategic Environmental Assessment. 3 Risk 18.There are no risks arising directly from this report. Risks related to the JSP&TS will be managed through the Project Board. Resources (financial and personnel) 19.Resources to progress the JSP&TS are as prioritised in the respective council budgets. Equalities Implications 20.Whilst there are no direct implications arising from the recommendations in this report, equalities will be a key consideration of the JSP and JTS, and were intended to be reflected in the extent of stakeholder and public engagement undertaken in the recent public consultation. Views of Joint Scrutiny Committee 21.The Joint Scrutiny Committee (JSC) received a report on key themes arising through the consultation in March 2016; and further views will be summarised to the next meeting of the Planning, Housing & Communities Board. JSC members received copies of the Joint Transport Board papers prior to their meeting held on 17th June 2016 giving an opportunity to JSC members to provide views to the Board. Recommendation That Members note the update on consultation and the next steps in the programme and give views. Author: West of England LEP with support