Agenda item

The Planning Policy Lead Officer outlined a report which requested approval for the emerging Preferred Spatial Strategy for the Local Plan so that it could be taken forward for further testing and consideration.

The results of the public Issues and Options consultation confirmed that there was “no reasonable option” or combination of options  that can accommodate Slough’s housing and employment needs within its boundaries.” The Committee was also made aware that there were limited options available when proceeding. Key evidential points included the need to concentrate development as an expanded centre of Slough due to the following factors;

•  Accessibility,

•  Colocation of facilities,

•  Availability of sites,

•  The need to regenerate it as a sub regional centre,

•  Environmental capacity.

Further information  showed that sites with a positive housing trajectory were focussed primarily within the town centre. It also highlighted that tree density within the borough was lower than London boroughs at half a tree per person and that the wealth of greenery mapped was predominantly within suburban areas. In order to progress with the emerging Strategy, it was integral that key decisions included no further loss of employment land for housing and a need to protect the suburbs from intensive development due to their value.

Other key areas of importance included; selecting key locations for appropriate development; protecting the built and natural environment of Slough including suburban areas; accommodating the proposed third runway at Heathrow and promoting the northern expansion of Slough in the form of a “Garden Suburb”. A further document would be produced containing all of the key sites once approval had been sought.

Members discussed areas of concern which they felt had not been highlighted which included the night life economy within Slough, the importance of retail and commercial mixed developments, bins within developments, reinvention of neighbourhood centres. It was noted that mitigating measures for the proposed third runway at Heathrow would be included within the summary of the Spatial Strategy. The Planning Policy Officer Lead assured Members that these would be taken into consideration and that it was integral to get finite details within the next document correct. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Committee agreed the preferred ‘Spatial Strategy’ subject to the further consideration of the above comments.

Resolved-That the Preferred Spatial Strategy for the Review of the Local Plan be approved for further testing.