Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking approval of the Core Strategy Partial Review (CSPR).

The Core Strategy was adopted in 2010 and sets out the strategic approach for development in the city.  It included a target to deliver 322,000 sq m of offices (2006 – 2026).  This target was based on economic forecasts prepared in 2005 during a period of strong economic growth.  The Core Strategy Partial Review reduces this target to 110,000 sq m of offices (2006 – 2026) to take account of the recession, changing working practices and the revised South Hampshire Strategy.  This provides a more realistic basis for the City Centre Action Plan.  The CSPR will also incorporate the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.  The Proposed Submission CSPR will be subject to formal public consultation (anticipated in June / July 2013).  Representations received will be considered by an independent planning inspector.  The full Council will then adopt the Plan in 2014.  A decision to adopt is legally required to follow the inspector’s main conclusions.  Therefore the Cabinet’s decision on 19th March 2013 will be the last opportunity for the Council to significantly influence the revised office target in the CSPR.

(i)  To approve the Core Strategy Partial Review (Proposed Submission) as placed in the Members’ rooms.

(ii)  To delegate to the Head of Service for Planning, Transport and Sustainability (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources) the power to make changes to the Core Strategy Partial Review; provided these do not affect its main policy direction.  Such changes could be made prior to publication of the ‘proposed submission’ or ‘submission’ plan; or proposed during the public examination. 

1. To update the Core Strategy and provide a realistic basis for the City Centre Action Plan.
2. To ensure the efficient processing of the Plan through to examination.

Not to prepare the Partial Review.  This would not provide a realistic basis for the City Centre Action Plan.