Issue - items at meetings - Local Development Framework City Wide Plan - Updated Background Studies

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

2.1             That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration approves the Brighton and Hove Retail Study Update – September 2011 and the Housing Requirements Study – June 2011 as supporting evidence for the City Plan and other Local Development Framework documents.

56.1               The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval for two studies providing background and supporting evidence for the City Plan (Core Strategy) and future Local Development Framework documents.

56.2               The Cabinet Member explained that the report provided an update on two background studies providing robust evidence for the City Plan. The first was the Brighton & Hove Retail Study Update – September 2011 and the second was the Housing Requirements Study – June 2011. She welcomed the completion of the studies as a step towards adopting the new City Plan for the city.

56.3               The Strategic Planning & Monitoring Manager advised that the Housing Requirement study made suggestions and provided an evidence base to the council.

56.4               The Senior Planning Officer, Local Development explained that the Retail Study was relatively positive about the city’s performance; vacancy rates were low and there was no need to plan for additional convenience retail floor space. In response to a comment from Councillor C Theobald regarding convenience goods outlets, she explained that such outlets were finding a way in because planning permission was not required for a change of use in such cases.

56.5               Councillor Morgan noted that Brighton Marina was under-used for retail and that opening up the Black Rock site would be key to achieving progress at the Marina.

56.6               RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations be accepted:

(1)         That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration approves the Brighton and Hove Retail Study Update – September 2011 and the Housing Requirements Study – June 2011 as supporting evidence for the City Plan and other Local Development Framework documents.