Agenda item

Full Council received an urgent motion under Standing Order 17.2.

Proposed by Councillor Alastair Gunn (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords):

“Harlow Council (the Council) recognises that His Majesty’s Government has proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to the planning system with the intention of significantly increasing the speed of housing growth, and to reintroduce the duty to cooperate with neighbouring local planning authorities. As proposed, the new mandatory targets will impose a significant increase to the required number of homes being built in the Harlow District year on year (26%) and further on neighbouring authorities namely Epping Forest (67%) and East Hertfordshire (11%).

It acknowledges the Harlow Local Development Plan, adopted by Full Council in December 2020 and in place until 2033, and the Council's role as a leading partner within the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) initiative since 2017.

The Council resolves to engage with the NPPF consultation, in doing so recognising it is in both the national and Harlow’s own interest to deliver economic growth and address housing needs, including improving housing quality, availability and affordability for Harlow residents and their families, while protecting our vital green spaces.

It additionally resolves to work constructively with its neighbouring authorities to ensure any new housing developments in Harlow and the wider Garden Town area are designed to integrate with and deliver benefits for Harlow’s current estates, residents, and businesses.

The Council maintains its commitment to ensuring transport, educational and health infrastructure improvements such the relocation of the Princess Alexandra Hospital as well as regenerative benefits are delivered alongside new housing. It resolves to make its land available, only where it has been satisfied these benefits can be demonstrated.

It notes that requirements are in place through the Local Plan to meet the challenge of climate change and respond to the climate emergency, to be supplemented by the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and underpinned by HGGT’s 2021 Sustainability Guidance and Checklist that apply to new housing developments.

Further, the Council embraces Harlow’s unique status as a Sculpture Town and the contribution that partnership of the HGGT initiative is already making to the regeneration of the town centre, including the development of its new Arts and Cultural Quarter. It reasserts its commitment to securing investment in Harlow’s cultural assets and economy.

The Council further commits to the following: protecting the district’s Green Belt, Wedges and Fingers from housing development in accordance with its adopted policy; maintaining and strengthening the Conservation Area protections that cover areas of special architectural or historic interest; and, identifying ways to make the planning system as accessible as possible through a review of its Statement of Community Involvement.

Throughout, the Council resolves to be guided by its 2024-2028 Corporate Plan and its six missions with particular focus on those of Renewing our Neighbourhoods, Rebuilding our Town and Securing Investment for Harlow’s Future.”

Councillor Dan Swords declared a non-pecuniary interest as Chair of the Harlow Gilston and Garden Town Joint Committee. Councillor Jake Shepherd declared a non-pecuniary interest as a committee member of the Harlow Civic Society.

RESOLVED that the motion be agreed.