URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=235

Decision Maker: Environment Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To follow up on a series of actions agreed at Environment Committee in December 2023, concerning potential alternative approaches to the management of open spaces and amenities in new residential developments.

Content: The Strategic Director of Place advised the report was a follow on report from a Motion received to Council in July 2023 regarding giving district and parish/town Councils a greater role on managing open spaces within new developments. A number of actions within the original Motion would require new policy around the role of management companies.  Currently new policy could not be introduced as a result of the current position and stage of the emerging draft local plan however appendix A outlined a guidance note on SDC’s approach to encourage open spaces and amenities with developers.    Councillor Simkiss queried whether the wording ‘public space’ in the guidance note first paragraph needed to be defined more. The Strategic Director of Place advised they would add a definition within the footnotes.   Proposed by Councillor Turner-Wilkes, seconded by Councillor Simkiss.   Councillor Simkiss advised it was important that the management and ongoing maintenance of open spaces was picked up and was pleased SDC was providing guidance to developers and  therefore comfort to residents.   Councillor Watson stated there was a lack of play areas within the district which SDC had limited powers to influence due to national regulation.   Councillor Ryder advised the process had been long but was grateful for Councils support along with the officers before proceeding to share examples of the types of issues residents had received. Progress had been made already from the Motion and Great Oldbury Parish Council were an example where they were able to spend their parish precept to influence and manage the open spaces within the parish. The Chair, Councillor Turner, recognised the national attention the Motion had received.   Councillor Brown recognised Councillor Ryders effort and that it was an important issue.   Councillor Turner-Wilkes gave thanks and explained they would like SDC to set a trend nationally through the developer guidance.   The Chair, Councillor Turner, thanked other Officers for their involvement which included, Community Services Environment Manager, Head of Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Head of Development Management and One Legal.   RESOLVED      I.        To continue with the current policy approach to the management of open spaces in new developments.     II.        Note the refreshed operational guidance for developers, attached as Appendix A.   III.        Delegate officers, in consultation with the Strategic Planning Advisory Board, to draft updated policy and guidance when a new Local Plan for Stroud District is being prepared, under a revised National Planning Policy Framework.   IV.        Note that the draft updated policy and guidance referred to in (iii) will have regard to the motion passed at Full Council in July 2023.  

Date of Decision: December 5, 2024