URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1446

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Director of Place and Economy for approval for the East Cullompton Strategic Design Code to go out for public consultation.   As items 6 and 7 on the agenda were closely linked and complimentary, the Cabinet Member for Planning, Economic and Regeneration outlined the contents of both reports with particular reference to the following:   Strategic Design Code   a)    The Council had commissioned a design company to prepare a Strategic Design Code for East Cullompton which was allocated through policies CU7-CU12 of the Mid Devon Local Plan.    b)    The Code added detail to the adopted Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and would be used to guide design aspects of the development of East Cullompton.  It was intended to be for a wide audience including planners, developers, designers, the local community and Town and Parish Councils.  Outline and detailed planning applications would be expected to comply with the Strategic Design Code.   c)     The Design Code developed the vision set out in the Masterplan SPD, defining the intended look, feel and character of the place.  It provided key Structuring Principles and detailed Codes to ensure that the most important elements of the masterplan were fixed without stifling innovation and creativity during the detailed design stage.    d)    The Code covered strategically important parts of the site, with its purpose being to ensure a consistent and co-ordinated approach to design and delivery.  Detailed Codes were set out under four Frameworks: placemaking, activity, landscape and mobility.   e)    The Strategic Design Code was presented to the Planning Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) on 28 July 2026 and had been well received.  PPAG had the following comments and recommendations to make:   ·       Consideration should be given to the name of the garden village.  Residents would prefer ‘Cullompton Garden Village’, rather than ‘Culm Garden Village’.  ·       Concern that ‘Moorhayes’ village could be confused with Moorhayes in Tiverton, and that ‘Hayes Moor’ would be more appropriate. ·       Faith space should be explicitly mentioned. ·       The document should mention places to sit in the shade. ·       Park run should be explicitly mentioned.   f)      These recommendations would be added to feedback from the public engagement.   g)    The Strategic Design Code was presented to the Planning, Environment and Sustainability Policy Development Group on 3 August 2026.  A recommendation was made to add a public exhibition to the consultation, and it was agreed that officers would attend Cullompton Autumn Fest on 10 October 2026 to facilitate this.   h)    Subject to Cabinet approval, it was proposed that a public consultation takes place over a 4-week period in September and October 2026 (dates to be finalised).   i)       The consultation was proposed to include:   ·       Consultation with technical consultees. ·       Public engagement through Let’s Talk Mid Devon. ·       Publication of the draft document on the Culm Garden Village website. ·       Presentations to Cullompton Town Council and Kentisbeare Parish Council that the public can attend. ·       An exhibition stand at Cullompton Autumn Fest.   j)       Feedback from the public consultation would help to shape the final version of the Strategic Design Code.   Discussion took place with regards to:   ·       The provision of self-build properties and the process for reallocating s106 contributions where self-builds do not come forward and are replaced with market housing.  The infrastructure requirements would not change should self-build be replaced with market housing. ·       The importance of the Stewardship Working Group in developing community stewardship proposals and the need to build up mutual trust between all participants. ·       Cullompton Town Council were playing an active role in stewardship discussions. ·       The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) percentage required and how BNG is built into the need to alleviate flood risk? It was confirmed that this was a high priority as could be evidenced by the name ‘Garden Village’. Much background work has been done to ensure that biodiversity considerations are integral to the design, which is landscape-led. The 10% BNG requirement is a statutory one and the design code cannot introduce new policy by setting higher targets. ·       Similar to the NBG requirements considerations regarding solar panels and wind turbines are set out in planning policy and would come through via planning applications. However, the team would continue to work closely with developers on the climate and ecological emergencies. ·       Provisions for fire suppression would be dealt with through Building Regulations. ·       Concerns were expressed that the consultation exercise would become little more than a ‘process’, however, it needed to demonstrate that comments made would be reflected in the final proposals coming forward for approval. Participation in the consultation needed to be maximised wherever possible not just online formats but also ‘face to face’ engagement. There was also concern four weeks was not long enough for a consultation and it must be actively promoted throughout this period through as many channels as possible. People’s voices needed to be genuinely heard and factored into the resulting document. It was confirmed that this absolutely was the intention and that the Council would listen to all comments.    RESOLVED that the East Cullompton Strategic Design Code be NOTED and APPROVED for public consultation   (Proposed by Cllr S Keable and seconded by Cllr L Knight)   Reason for decision:   The Strategic Design Code would provide guidance on the planning and delivery of a strategic site for Mid Devon. The Strategic Design Code directly related to all five aims of the Corporate Plan 2024-28: Planning, Environment & Sustainability, Community, People and Equalities, Homes, Economy & Assets and Providing high quality and efficient services to support and improve the lives of people in Mid Devon.   Note: * Report previously circulated.  

Date of Decision: September 1, 2026