Decision details

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance informing Members of the potential need to provide housing, within the District, to meet the need of Bradwell B Power Station once operational. 

The report provided background information regarding Bradwell B Nuclear Power Station and the process required to seek planning permission for the Power Station.   Members were reminded that the Council in February 2020 had agreed to deliver a Development Plan Document (DPD).  In addition, detailed information regarding the following areas was provided within the report:

·                 The Council’s current stance on development of a new nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea;

·                 Future housing provision;

·                 The Council’s planning policy position;

·                 The Local Development Plan (LDP) and Bradwell B and housing;

·                 The LDP and housing, Appendix 1 to the report outlined the allocated sites within the Local Plan and their current position in relation to delivery;

·                 The Five-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS);

·                 The Council’s future Planning Policy Framework

·                 Delivery options.

The Lead Specialist Place explained that Members’ input was sought, and it was proposed that a workshop be organised to enable Members’ views to be fed into the Council’s direction of travel in relation to the housing aspect of the DPD.

The Leader of the Council presented the following amendment to recommendation (ii):

That workshops are to be provided for all Members at the earliest opportunity which will include the opportunity to provide comment on the principles of delivering housing to meet the need of Bradwell B Power Station once operational.  And that in advance of any such workshops Members are provided with background papers in a timely manner.

He then proposed that this and recommendation (i) as set out in the report be agreed.  This proposal was duly seconded.

A debate ensued.  Some concerns were raised regarding the timing of this report and in response the Lead Specialist Place advised that collation of the evidence for and the creation of the DPD document would take 18 – 24 months.  He highlighted how it was important to proceed with this to protect the District.  Reference was made to the Council’s 5YHLS and the need to demonstrate this.

The Chairman then put the proposal made by the Leader and upon a vote being taken this was agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the approach that Maldon District Council seeks to ensure that housing demand created through the provision of a new nuclear power station at Bradwell, once operational, will be within the District, and defined within a Development Plan Document, be endorsed;

(ii)            That workshops are provided for all Members at the earliest opportunity which will include the opportunity to provide comment on the principles of delivering housing to meet the need of Bradwell B Power Station once operational.  And that in advance of any such workshops Members are provided with background papers in a timely manner.