Agenda item

This report seeks approval to submit the Medway Core Strategy, and a number of associated documents, to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for independent examination.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the Medway Core Strategy and associated documents for submission to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for independent examination. This issue had previously been considered by the Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 4 October 2011 and Cabinet on 20 December 2011.

Councillor Chitty, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, supported by Councillor Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Councilllor Cooper proposed a minor amendment to paragraph 2.19 of the Submission Draft Core Strategy in that there were five parks with Green Flag status rather than three.

With the consent of the Council, Councillor Chitty and the seconder confirmed that in accordance with paragraph 11.4.2 of the Council rules in the constitution, she was happy to incorporate this in the motion.

Decision:

(a)   The Council authorised submission of the Submission Draft Core Strategy to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for independent examination in accordance with the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, including the changes set out in paragraph 10 of the report and in Appendix 1 to the report subject to the amendment of paragraph 2.19 of the Submission Draft Core Strategy to refer to five Green Parks rather than three.

(b)   The Council authorised adoption of the revised Medway Statement of Community Involvement, incorporating the changes referred to in the report.

(c)   The Council approved publication of the Diversity Impact Statement, final Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

(d)   The Council agreed to grant delegated authority to the Director for Regeneration, Community and Culture, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, to make any necessary minor changes to the documents prior to their publication and/or submission.