Steering committee notes of meetings

Steering Committee minutes

Note: Minutes are published after they have been approved at the next meeting






Notes of meeting, Monday, 11 September 2017 at Stone Close, Seahouses

 

Present: John Woodman, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoffrey Stewart Alison Nation, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson,

In attendance: David English, Jenny Ludman

Apologies: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley

 

The purpose of the meeting was to:

- review the comments received during the consultation process;

- consider the independent health check that had been carried out on the draft plan; and to

- consider whether as a result any changes needed to be made to the draft plan.

 

It was noted that the health check had generally been positive, although some suggestions had been made.

 

The vast majority of the consultation comments had been supportive but a number required consideration. A number of detailed drafting points had been made and also some omissions particularly on the policy maps had been identified. It was agreed that these factual/detailed comments should be reflected.

 

Jenny agreed to update the comments schedule with draft responses for approval, and to reflect necessary changes in the draft plan.

 

The following issues of principle were discussed:

 

Settlement boundaries:

-        It was agreed that we should not allocate sites and that the settlement boundaries were both appropriate and widely supported – except for the south west corner of North Sunderland whi h would be brought back to the building line. Should we adopt a general policy on amenity and on  height of buildings?

The wording on housing and small and large scale developments would be clarified.

 

NCC has objected to policies:

-        On advertising. There would be a small rewording.

-        On Parking. These would be reconsidered with input from Corrina.

-        On employment land. Savills would be asked on behalf of the Lord Crewe’s Charity to confirm their agreement to the potential expansion of employment land.

 

It was agreed we should meet again at 10.00 on Wednesday 25 October with the intention of agreeing the plan and passing it for final approval by the Parish Councils before submission to NCC.

 

 
Notes of meeting, Monday, 5 June 2017 at 2.30pm, Stone Close centre, Seahouses


 

Present: John Woodman, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Christine Williamson, Geoffrey Stewart, Guy Renner Thompson

In attendance: David English

Apologies: Jude Aldred, Margy Wilson, Geoff Martindale, Alison Nation

 

 

1.     Update on core strategy

The core strategy has been sent for inspection. However the new administration has serious concerns over housing numbers and green belt deletions so it may be modified requiring further consultation.

 

However, this should not delay the draft neighbourhood plan which is consistent with relevant parts of the core strategy and the existing Berwick Borough policies.

 

2.     Update on Habitats and Environmental assessments

We had now received AECOM’s assessments. The HRA had suggested some minor changes; which were acceptable (John would ask Jenny to make changes). The SEA (the major piece of work) had made no suggested changes. David noted that this was rare and a credit to the draft plan.

 

3.     Timings and next steps

This allowed us to plan for the pre-submission consultation.

 

No time was ideal, but it was agreed to start the six week consultation on 17 July. This should give us time to prepare.

 

1. It was agreed there would be four drop in sessions to launch the consultation: an evening one (6 to 8.30) at the Hub on the 17th and half day sessions in each of the villages. Jen would check bookings. If the Hub was unavailable we would use the Social Club.

 

The drop ins would have:

Sign in and comment sheets (Maureen)

A description of the timeline and process, including how to comment (John)

A summary of comments received with details of how they were included in the plan. (”You said, we did..”)  (Christine)

A list of policies on A3 (Geoff)

Maps: the policies map (A1 x2); settlement boundaries (A2); designations (A2) (David)

 

David would send details of what other groups had included in similar consultations for us to consider whether we had missed anything.

 

 

We would meet on 10 July to confirm the displays were ready and were adequate.

 

 

 

2, The neighbourhood plan would be posted on the Seahouses website, with links to it from the parish council sites. It should include a covering note on how to comment (email to coastalnplan@gmail.com or letter to the Hub; anonymous comments would be ignored); it should include the main policy documents eg the housing paper, the settlement boundaries paper, the environmental assessments; and also links to the AONB guide. (Jen liaising with Jenny and SDT)

 

3. Geoff would be asked to prepare a leaflet for distribution to all houses advertising the consultation and drop in events based on the initial one.

 

4. We would write to all consultees asking for comments; these would be those we asked last time, plus the statutory consultees David had circulated. Natural England would be reminded they had already commented on the assessments. John would draft the letter, Maureen would prepare them for distribution the week before.

 

John was applying from Locality for a “health check” for the plan.

 

 

 

4.     Date of next meeting

Sometime on the 10th July to rehearse the drop in displays.

 



Notes of meeting, Tuesday 21 February, 2017 at 2.30pm, Stone Close centre, Seahouses

 
Present: John Woodman, Margy Wilson, Geoffrey Stewart, Geoff Martindale, Alison Nation

In attendance: Jenny Ludman, David English

Apologies: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Christine Williamson


1.     Previous minutes and matters arising:

The previous minutes were approved.


2.     Update on core strategy

The draft core strategy was going to Council for approval on 22 February after which it would be submitted for inspection. The latest set of changes mainly dealt with the implications of the potential garden village at Dissington. Policies relating to our area had been broadly unchanged for a number of drafts. Subject to any change resulting from a change of administration, it was likely that the inspection would take place later in the year with the plan being adopted at the end of the year or early next.


3.     Update on Habitats and Environmental assessments

The draft scoping reports were considered. The HRA was approved. There were a number of issues of fact with the SEA draft: David would summarise them and respond. He would also ask, to speed the process, that AECOM started work on the assessment while waiting for comments from consultees.
 

It was noted that we could not prepare the consultation event until we had a good idea of when the SEA would be completed and what it would say.

 
4.     Update on Neighbourhood plan progress and issues:

The latest draft plan had been circulated, reflecting detailed feedback from David English. The main change had been the introduction of a coastal strip policy, to keep the seaward side of the coastal strip free of development.

He queried the justification for the policy on parking places; John noted that we were collecting photographic evidence of problems but were also getting feedback from bus companies, the police and the County’s services team on problems caused by parking. 

Updated policy and designation maps were distributed for final agreement.

Action: All present, comments to Jenny

5.     Timings and next steps

It was agreed we should prepare the leaflet/announcements of the various consultation drop in sessions although dates couldn’t be finalised until the SRA/HEA were completed.
 

6.     Date of next meeting

10am April 13th, Bamburgh Pavilion; Council candidates would be invited to promote continuity.

 

The 21 November meeting briefly discussed the postponement of the consultation sessions while we await the environmental assessments. We had had agreement from Locality to fund the assessments.
 
The next meeting would be in February 2017 to review progress.


North Northumberland Coastal Area Neighbourhood Plan Steering group


Notes of meeting Tuesday 24 October, 2016 at 2.00pm, Stone Close Centre, Seahouses

 
Present: David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman
In attendance: Jenny Ludman, Jonathan Nicholson, Tom Proctor, Ian Stanners,
 
1.     Preliminary
The previous minutes were approved.
 
Discussions had taken place with Savills to reach agreement on our proposed settlement boundary in Bamburgh.
 
2.     Update on core strategy
A further round of consultation was taking place to deal with some green belt boundaries and potential garden village at Ponteland.  John noted that this had the unfortunate effect of further delaying the core strategy which would delay the planning policies providing protection to the county.
 
The further consultation did not impact on policies covering our area.
 
3.     Neighbourhood plan progress and issues:
·      Green spaces/heritage assets
    The group confirmed the draft statements. Help from AECOM to support the historic core of Beadnell policy had been requested.
·      Settlement boundaries
    The group confirmed the draft boundaries, subject to a couple of small modifications. It was agreed that because of the importance of the boundaries, they should be included in the plan itself rather than annexed to it.
·      Completion of draft plan
1.     The group confirmed the draft was in good shape, and approved the draft introduction. It was agreed that any detailed comments would be sent to Jenny by the end of the week and a final draft circulated by the start of November. This should be distributed to parish councils for comments.
2.     It was agreed that the plan should include more detail on the factors determining what was a “major” and a “small” development and that we should continue to collect evidence of parking problems in the villages.
3.     A major mapping exercise was needed to record the various designations (AONB/SSSI etc) and the various allocations made in the plan (boundaries; commercial sites; green spaces etc). Jenny would liaise with Jonathan but he thought the timings should not be a problem given the timing of the core strategy consultation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.     Pre submission consultation
It was agreed we could launch the draft for consultation on November 28th, the consultation period being six weeks from 1 December. As with the first launch, there would be drop in sessions in each village. Geoff agreed to draft a leaflet to be delivered to all houses (responsibility of the parish councils as before) and also A3 sheets of the various policies for display at the meeting.
 
It was agreed this was an appropriate time for consultation as it was a quiet time for most businesses but also included the holiday period when people would be around.
 
The plan was too large to print for mass distribution, but would be available on NCCs website and hard copies would be available at a central point in each village.
 
It was noted that this stage should also involve consulting the various statutory consultees and local organisations. These would essentially be the same as last time; Jenny would circulate a list of statutory ones.
 
 
5.     Date of next meeting
Monday 21 November at 2pm, at the Social Club to discuss setting up the public meeting.
 

Notes of meeting Tuesday 23 August, 2016 at 2.00pm, Bamburgh Pavilion

 

Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman

In attendance: Jenny Ludman, Jonathan Nicholson, Steve Robson

 

1.     Preliminary

The previous minutes were approved.

The Bamburgh settlement boundary would be discussed with Savills by email.

 

2.     Update on core strategy

Nothing new to report

 

3.     Housing policy paper

Steve described his paper on housing evidence, covering the population and housing profiles, house price and market analysis, permanent occupancy and affordability. It supported the need for policies on occupancy but although it highlighted the issues with affordability did not on its own show the evidence for exceptional policies.

 

The paper was agreed to be a very useful summary of the position.

 

A number of areas where additional information would be sent to Steve to add to the paper were identified: the AONB house use survey, and the recent update; the interviews with the medical practices; the business survey and the case studies.

 

It was agreed that it was not necessary to collect more information on the impact of non-permanent housing on services, and from estate agents.

 

4.     Neighbourhood plan progress and issues:

·               Completion of draft plan

·               Green spaces/heritage assets

·               Settlement boundaries

Jenny noted that on her recent visits she had covered the settlement boundary work according to the agreed methodology and had dealt with green spaces and with the help of the AONB, heritage assets.

 

It was agreed we should apply for a support package from AECOM for a heritage and character assessment of the historic core of Beadnell and the conservation area in Bamburgh (the Seahouses conservation areas already had the character analysis prepared).

 

She expected to complete the draft plan by mid October.

 

5.     Next steps

We would review the draft plan in October and reschedule the public meeting for the 28th November.

 

6.     Date of next meeting

Monday 24 October at 2pm, at Bamburgh Pavilion or the Seahouses Stone Close centre





Notes of Meeting held on Wednesday 20 July 2016 at 2.00pm, Bamburgh Pavilion.


 


Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman


In attendance: Jenny Lumsden, Jonathan Nicholson, Steve Robson, David English,

 

 

1.     Preliminary:
Apologies were received from Geoffrey Stewart, Maureen Bramley. Corina Scott-Roy, Sandra Webster and Geoff Martindale.

 

The previous minutes were agreed.

 

John noted that Locality had agreed that we were eligible for additional funding which should be sufficient for the completion of the plan. 

 

2.     Update on core strategy

Jonathan noted that the potential holiday village in Ponteland meant that there would probably be a further delay as this would require further consultation. Although there would probably be no changes to policies affecting this area, it did mean that the neighbourhood plan would probably be completed before the County’s Core strategy was adopted. The neighbourhood plan would therefore have to be assessed against the outstanding policies from the Berwick plan and the NPPF. We would take account of the new evidence and should refer to policies in the emerging core strategy.

 

3.     Comments from meetings with the Parish Councils:

·        Bamburgh

No particular comments.

·        Beadnell

The plan had been viewed positively. Some concern was noted as to whether the suggested settlement boundary was big enough to last till 2031.

·        N Sunderland

The meeting had been supportive.

 

4.     Comments from Landowners:

The comments had been generally helpful and the detailed comments would be considered by Jenny in the next draft plan. It was agreed that with one exception (noted below) we would acknowledge the responses but not provide a point by point answer at this stage. There were two common points:

-        The relationship between the plan and the wider development plan. As discussed earlier, this would require explanation given the delay in the Core strategy.

-        The need to define “major development”. Jenny and David noted that case law made it clear that this should be decided on a case by case basis and could not be defined, but it was agreed we should note the issues to be considered and noting the different situations of each village.

·        Savills

The response from Savills to the draft plan had been broadly positive.

Concern was expressed about their proposed settlement boundary which seemed to be based on the out of date Berwick plan rather than on our thinking (or indeed that of Savills expressed at the meeting). It was agreed we would discuss this with them.

·        Northumberland Estates

Again, the comments had been broadly positive. Importantly, they had been supportive of a percentage allocation to permanent housing.

 

5.     Neighbourhood plan progress and issues:

·               Completion of draft plan

          Jenny outlined the next stages of work. It was noted that the plan would not be finished in time for a proposed consultation in September and a date of 21st November to launch it was picked instead.

·               Green spaces/heritage assets

           Jessica Turner had provided some background information, and Jenny hoped to meet her shortly to finalise these sections.

·               Settlement boundaries

          The draft methodology was approved. Jenny would arrange visits to each village to develop the boundaries.

·               Affordable/Permanent Housing

Steve took the group through the comprehensive draft paper on housing evidence. As before it highlighted the issues with affordability and permanent housing.

 


6.     Next steps

Jenny would continue to work on the draft and the outstanding items.

It was agreed we should ask AECOM to carry out a viability assessment (essentially an assessment of the plan) before the final consultation.

David noted that Ponteland had carried out a useful survey of estate agents (he would circulate a copy) and we should consider doing something similar to establish the type of demand.

 

7.     Date of next meeting

2pm, Tuesday 23 August, Bamburgh Pavilion




Notes of Meeting held on Monday 18 April 2016 at Seahouses

 

Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Christine Williamson, John Woodman

In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson,

Apologies: Maureen Bramley, Corrina Scott-Roy, Geoffrey Stewart Sandra Webster, Margy Wilson.

 
 

1.     Previous minutes:

The notes of the previous meeting were agreed.

 

2.     Update on core strategy

Jonathan noted that the next draft of the core strategy was on schedule for release in mid June. The consultation would only be on areas subject to major modification -which did not include anything in this area. John thought that the reference to the 15% affordable housing target would be expanded to indicate how exceptions could be considered.

 

Concern was expressed that NCC had not given enough support to the area in terms of the fundamental change in its character because of the development of non-permanent housing. Although the group generally thought this was true, it was hoped the Neighbourhood Plan would help.

 

3.     Neighbourhood plan progress and issues

Jenny continued to work on the draft plan in consultation with the various groups. She had prepared a schedule of outstanding work which was discussed.

 

Some work had been agreed to be carried out:

-        Steve Robson would pull together the paper on permanent and affordable housing

-        Jessica Turner would pull together the work on green spaces.

 

The remaining work would take about 11 days of Jenny’s time: it was agreed to investigate how this could be funded by Locality but it may be necessary to ask for funding from the Parish Councils, in accordance with the terms of reference. It was agreed to ask the Parish Councils for funding totalling £1,500 to be drawn down if necessary.

 

4.     Consultation with parish councils and landowners

 

Once the latest draft plan was ready it was agreed John should meet with parish councillors to introduce the plan and make sure it had support. (The N Sunderland meeting was set for 16 May).

We should also arrange to meet with the three main landowners in the area.

 
 

5.     AOB

Review of plan

One of the NCC senior planners had agreed to review the draft plan in the context of contentious applications. It was agreed these should be:

-        The original Kingsfield application

-        James St (re parking)

-        Mizen Court

-        3 Benthall

-        36 Harbour Rd

-        The Friars (original)

 

Strategic Environmental assessment

Jonathan would ask David Feige to comment on the need for and implications of this.

 

6.     Date of next meeting

Not set:to await the above meetings






North Northumberland Coastal Area Neighbourhood Plan Steering group

 

Notes of Meeting held on Monday 15 February 2016 at Seahouses

 

Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Margy Wilson, John Woodman

In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, Steve Robson (NCC); Jenny Ludman

Apologies: Maureen Bramley, Corrina Scott-Roy, Sandra Webster, Christine Williamson

 

 

1.     Previous minutes:

The notes of the previous meeting were agreed.

 

  1. Matters arising: action points

Settlement boundaries

Bamburgh PC had not finalised its decision but after discussion is very likely to recommend one.

Beadnell PC had decided not to recommend one.

N Sunderland PC had not finalised its decision but is likely to recommend one.

 

3.     Update on core strategy

Steven and Jonathan noted that the comments received after the last round of consultation had been analysed. It was likely that modifications would be made before the plan was submitted for inspection, and these were major enough to require further consultation (but only on these aspects). This would delay the adoption of a final plan by a few months. The modifications would not significantly impact on the neighbourhood plan area, and mainly covered employment land and green belt. It was likely that some change would be made to the wording of the affordable housing policy.

 

4.     Neighbourhood plan progress and issues

Jenny introduced the draft plan which she had previously circulated. It was an early draft but the approach was well received. It was agreed that a sub group would meet later to go through the policies in detail. It was important that the draft plan was completed by the end of March so that this phase of the work was complete in line with the locality grant which had been received.

 

Specific discussions were held on:

-        The justification needed for a higher percentage of affordable and permanent housing. It was agreed that a starting point could be to ask for 100% of new development to be for permanent occupation given the stark problem in the plan area, and to discuss this approach with developers. Affordable/permanent housing

-        Completing evidence collection from interviews with businesses and the street by street analysis of housing usage to compare with the AONB survey two years earlier (Bamburgh was complete, Beadnell had started and N Sunderland still had to start), and the strain on car parking in the villages (survey evidence should be collected once the holiday season was underway).

-        Using examples to describe and help define the local vernacular particularly where this was varied.

-        Work on local green space designations had started.

 

The Council provide mapping services to support designations and area outlines in the plan.

 

It was agreed that in due course we would re-consult the local organisations together with statutory consultees.

 

5.     AOB

It was agreed Jen would draft a reply to the local MP’s request for an update on progress with the neighbourhood plan. The main issue to be highlighted was that the plans had become more burdensome than intended because the degree of evidence seemed to be close to that of a County’s core strategy.  

 

6.     Date of next meeting

Tuesday 22 March, 10am

 




Notes of Meeting held Wednesday 14 December 2015 at 10.00am, Seahouses

 

Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman

In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, Steve Robson (NCC); Jenny Ludman

Apologies: Corrina Scott-Roy, Sandra Webster

 

1.     Previous minutes and matters arising

The notes of the meeting on 21 October were approved.

 

The documents prepared so far had been sent to Jenny; Geoff would speak to Dorothy (Bamburgh PC clerk who had kindly co-ordinated this) and Maureen would send anything she had re meeting attendances. 

 

Beadnell PC had decided not to recommend a settlement boundary; Bamburgh had not decided yet and North Sunderland would be considering it at their next meeting.  

 

2.     Update on consultation and core strategy

No new issues at been raised at the Seahouses core strategy consultation. Issues raised regarding the neighbourhood plan had been recorded and circulated: they were broadly supportive of the work so far.

 

NCC were analysing the comments arising from the core strategy consultation. At this stage it looked as though the comments on the AONB policy more or less balanced.

 

3.     Update from policy teams

Nothing to report.

 

4.     Update on neighbourhood plan review and progress

Jenny introduced the draft outline of the plan which had been circulated before the meeting.

 

The suggested structure was agreed. It was also agreed that she should proceed to work on the draft plan, broadly as outlined and that we should carry out a pre-submission consultation.

 

The conflict between discouraging large scale development yet needing development to provide affordable/permanent housing was discussed.

 

The structure would permit specific design guidance for each of the three villages.

 

It was noted that as we wanted to identify important but unlisted assets we would need to ensure they met the criteria. This may be a case where we could ask for help to do the work.

 

 

5.     Housing policy review:

Affordable/permanent housing

Steve introduced his paper on housing issues focusing on secondary evidence supporting the need for specific policies on affordable and permanent housing.

 

It focused on data covering:

-        The numbers of second and holiday homes;

-        Affordability, prices and rents;

-        The take up and availability of affordable housing provision

 

The data did support the fact that there was something different in the neighbourhood area compared with most others on the coast, particularly (in the case of affordability) if the different position of Belford (included in some of the information) was excluded.

 

There did appear to be evidence supporting the need for more permanent and affordable housing in the area. This would complement other work such as the views of business and the “where are they now” analysis.

 

Steve agreed to complete the paper – and to get the analysis of the original survey completed.

 

Other actions from last meeting:

·        AONB housing analysis update: Bamburgh was complete; Seahouses/Beadnell still had to be completed.

·        House price review: See paper

·        Homefinder/housing association review: see paper

 

6.     AOB

The relevance of Natural England and other non-planning law issues was discussed. These would always apply irrespective of the neighbourhood plan work. It was hoped that we would avoid the need for an Environment Assessment because we were not carrying out a detailed site assessment.

 

7.     Date of next meeting

5pm, Monday 15 February

 

In the meantime, Jenny would arrange meetings with the various teams.

 






North Northumberland Coastal Area Neighbourhood Plan Steering group


 


Notes of meeting Tuesday 1 September 2015 at 4.00pm, Stone Close centre, Seahouses


 


 


Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Geoffrey Stewart, Maureen Bramley, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Sandra Webster, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman.


In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, NCC; Jenny Ludman, Ludman Planning


Apologies: Corrina Scott-Roy


 

1.      Preliminary:

 

The previous minutes were approved.
 

A meeting with Smiths Gore to discuss the latest position with the Crewe Charity and Armstrong Estate had been requested.

 

Meetings had been held with two landowners in Beadnell to discuss how the neighbourhood plan emerging policies might impact on potential developments.

 

2.      Professional help: grant application and Jenny Ludman

 

John reported that the grant application to Locality had been filed and we awaited their response. He introduced Jenny Ludman, who outlined her background and experience of helping neighbourhood plan groups in Northumberland.

 

3.      Policy Areas: drafts for discussion

-        Housing policy

-        Development look/feel/scale

-        Business/Employment

-        Landscape/Rural issues

 

The four policy groups had, with Corrina’s help, drafted outline policies and (attached for completeness) and issues were discussed.

 

It was noted that the landscape group had prepared a draft schedule of green spaces, and intended to prepare a list of heritage assets.

 

It was agreed there should be an overarching objective, based on the landscape value driving the economic value, to underpin the policies.

 

It was agreed that the conflict between draft policies on major developments needed to be rationalised, by focusing on the reasons major developments would be supported and encouraging the phasing of them.

 

It was agreed that we should use the AONB landscape survey to support definition of village boundaries along the coast, and the importance of protected views.

 

A concern that the status of SHLAA sites, and the process of defining potential development sites, was opaque to most of the public was discussed and it was agreed we should publicise the SHLAA process at the next public event. It was agreed that we would probably not want to identify development sites on an individual basis in the plan, but rather to indicate where development would be supported and where it would be unwanted.

 

4.      Next steps

 

The teams would continue to refine the policies.

 

It was agreed that we should plan for a public event to launch the next stage of consultation but realistically this would have to wait for Jenny’s appointment and first review, and would probably be in early 2016.

 

5.      Feedback from Northumberland County Council

 

The council was getting ready for the next round of consultation on the core strategy after approval by the Cabinet at the end of September. The consultation will run from mid October to December. The draft AONB policy was broadly unchanged, although the objectives would be more tightly defined, so our plans remained broadly in line.

 

6.      AOB

 

It was agreed that Jenny Ludman’s experience and approach would fit well with the steering group and she should be asked to work with us, subject to a successful grant application.

 

7.      Date of next meeting

Wednesday 21 October at 10.00am
North Northumberland Coastal Area Neighbourhood Plan Steering group
 
North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:
Notes of meeting held on 14 July 2015 at Seahouses
 
Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Geoffrey Stewart, Maureen Bramley, Sandra Webster, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman, Corrina Scott-Roy, Jen Hall
In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, NCC.
Apologies: Geoff Martindale,
1.     Preliminary:
The previous minutes were agreed.
 
2.     Consultation responses:
-        Age UK
-        National Trust
-        Coffee Stop
-        Northumberland Estates
-        RNLI
had all replied to our consultation letter. The planning issues raised generally supported our existing approach and would be taken forward: one of the main points had been the need to have a mixed type of new housing.
 
The National Trust had offered a meeting, which would be taken up.
 
3.     Policy Areas
The papers from the policy teams were discussed; they were generally approved. Specific comments are noted below:
 
Housing policy
Not all the policies could be introduced into the neighbourhood plan (eg rural exemption from right to buy).
We would need to evidence a requirement for a higher percentage of affordable housing given the lack of support for this in the housing needs survey. Possible areas would be, a comparison of income to house prices and rents and evidence from the census and elsewhere that the “middle generation” who would need such housing had moved away and not responded. We must not let that happen again.
 
Development look/feel/scale
The proposed parking policy was valid, but we should get evidence (photographic?) of current problems with parking.
Strategic renewable projects are not the function of a neighbourhood plan policy (and in any event the policy on wind farms had recently changed)
The question of whether we should specifically allocate sites for development, or just do it broadly, was discussed and would need to be resolved later.
 
Business/Employment
Some of the suggested policies may need to be aspirations rather than specific policies (eg support for work from home).
 
Landscape/Rural issues
We needed to identify green spaces which needed protection.
The idea of working with English Heritage, who had offered to help neighbourhood planning groups, to identify local assets of importance (for example, those listed on Keys to the Past) was thought helpful.
It was noted that any extension to conservation areas would need to be taken up by individual parish councils.
 
The groups would continue to meet, and Corrina offered to join where possible to take account of the matters discussed.
 
 
4.     Next steps
It was agreed we should now seek funding to pay for professional advice to review our processes so far and start to draft planning policies.
 
It was agreed that we should increase our level of publicity and Jen would draft something for Village News.
 
The timing of the next public consultation was discussed: as a target, it was agreed we should aim for October or November but this would depend on the success of funding and identifying a suitable consultant.
 
5.     Feedback from Northumberland County Council
The core strategy should be published for consultation in October for comments to December, with formal processes leading to adoption in late 2016.
 
6.     Date of next meeting
4pm, 1 September 2015, Stone Rd Centre, Seahouses
 
 
Action points:
Arrange meeting with Smiths Gore (JW)
Publish update in Village News (JH)
Policy area teams to meet again to update work (All)
Investigate funding for specialist to help (JW/DE)
 

 
North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:

Notes of meeting held on 26 May 2015 at Seahouses

 

Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Geoffrey Stewart, Maureen Bramley, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman.

In attendance: David English and Jonathan Nicholson, NCC.

Apologies: Geoff Martindale, Corrina Scott-Roy, Jen Hall

 

 

1.     Previous meeting

 

The notes of the previous meeting were approved. Acton points:

NCC work continued on finalising the survey.

Jen had been able to track down all those on the original housing needs videos and had prepared a summary: John would circulate it.

An article on the survey had appeared in the latest local papers and would be placed in the Village News

A list of local bodies for consultation had been drafted and collated by Marureen: letters would be sent following the meeting (NB: now posted)

 

2.     Policy drafting

 

The following allocations to teams to draft outline policies were agreed:

 

Policy Area
Team Leader
 
Housing Policy
Christine
Jen, Sandra, Geoffrey
Development scale, look and feel
David
Christine, Margy, Geoffrey
Landscape/rural issues
Jude
Christine, David, Margy
Business/ employment
Jen
Jude, Maureen, Geoff

 

The team leader would co-ordinate meeting(s). It was agreed that Corrina and John would try to attend meetings where possible, and David and Jonathan would provide advice where necessary.

 

 

The teams would use the proforma provided to support the development of policies, by starting with the issues that they are meant to address. Use would be made of the work already done on policy preparation, including those suggested by the business survey, the census review, the AONB policies and the analysis by Corinna of examples used by other neighbourhood plan groups.

 

3.     Next meeting: 5pm, Tuesday 14th July, Stone Close Centre

 
North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:

Notes of meeting held on 27 April 2015 at Seahouses

 

Present: Jude Aldred, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, John Woodman.

In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, NCC.

Apologies: Maureen Bramley, Geoff Martindale, Corrina Scott-Roy, Margy Wilson,

 

1.     Local Plan
 

Jonathan noted that work was underway on the final draft of the plan which would go to formal consultation in summer hopefully before going to examination later in the year.  

 

Feedback from the last round of consultation had been generally positive.

 

2.     Information survey

 
The interim report was discussed. The main issue was that there was no evidence from the survey that there was a special affordable housing problem. Some of this may be due to the fact that a disproportionate number of responses were from homeowners (when compared to the census). But it was consistent with evidence from other sources – the waiting lists for properties, for example. It was clear that the major concern related to employment and opportunities, and the plan should reflect this. Otherwise there was generally good support for the vision and objectives.

 

We had been able to contact all those who had featured in the 2007 “young people” interviews; as it happened most were satisfactorily housed now although some had left the area. It was agreed Jen would contact them to establish if they had (where relevant) completed the survey and if not why not. (Jen)

 

Jonathan agreed to establish when the final report on the survey would be completed.

 

It was agreed:

-        We should publicise the main findings on twitter, and through the press.

-        We should publish the full report when available on our website.

 

 

3.     Next steps

 

The draft consultation letter for local organisations was approved. It was agreed each parish would circulate details of suggested organisations. (Action: Geoffrey and Jude; John would circulate the Beadnell list).

 

The consultation with formal organisations would be made later in the process.

 

It was agreed that we had now collected enough information and evidence to start work on formulating policies. Suggested themes were:

Housing policy

Development scale, look and feel

Landscape and issues outside the built up areas

Business and employment

Everything else

 

It was agreed we would map the planning issues outlined in the summary of responses onto those themes to make sure they covered everything, and to consider how to allocate the issues amongst the steering committee. We would agree the groups covering each theme at the next meeting. Action all: map planning issues onto the above themes and notify John of the theme to work on.

 

4.     Next meeting: 4.30pm, 26th May, Stone Close Centre, to primarily discuss mapping of comments onto policy themes and to agree who takes which themes forward.

 

Action points:

Complete report on survey: NCC

Follow up video interviews: Jen

Publicity: Jen

Circulate consultation organisations: Jude/Maureen/John and send out letters: John

Map issues to policy themes and select theme to work on: All

 

 

There's a large gap in time here: we actually did a lot of work preparing for the launch of the housing needs survey (which incorporated a chance to ask second homes owners for specific information and everyone about our initial views) and then  analysing the survey results. The response was about 30% from permanently occupied homes, which was an adequate response.


North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:
Notes of meeting held on 24 June 2014 at Seahouses
 
Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Corrina Scott-Roy, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, John Woodman.
In attendance: Jonathan Nicholson, NCC; Jessica Turner, Northumberland Coast AONB.
 
Apologies: Noel Page, Margy Wilson, David English
 
 
1.      The notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct summary.
 
Noel Page had written to say that work commitments meant he had to resign from the steering committee. It was agreed that it would be helpful if Bamburgh PC appointed another person to replace him.
 
Matters arising:
Christine (with Geoff) had uploaded all the documents of evidence onto a “cloud based” server and emailed everyone with access. It was agreed that we should provide access to them from our website.
 
2.      Local Plan
 
Jonathan reported that there were revised forecasts of population numbers, showing lower growth rates than had previously been assumed which meant that the growth forecasts used in the draft local plan also needed to be revised - although the growth agenda would remain. This would also mean reviewing the land assessments. However, he thought there would be limited impact on forecast numbers for the North of the County and therefore on our plan. The full draft plan would now probably not be issued for consultation until mid Autumn.
 
3.      Updates:
 
Census review
 
A paper summarising the statistical review of the recent censuses had been circulated (and would be filed in the evidence store noted above). It highlighted the key population trends that had been noted elsewhere in our work: an ageing population; fewer families; and more houses not used for residential purposes. It highlighted likely policy areas to try to deal with problems caused by these trends (listed below). These areas were supported by the committee.
 
 
 
Business discussions
 
The report on Jen’s Harbour discussion was circulated and agreed.
 
John would contact the North Northumberland Tourist Association to ask them to circulate details of our questionnaire to tourism businesses in the area. 
 
The draft holiday home questionnaire would be circulated for comment: people should trial it. It would then be circulated to agents for distribution to owners. This would give us coverage of homes/businesses as follows:
Primary and second homes: information survey
Holiday homes: holiday home survey
Holiday letting businesses: business survey
Other businesses: business survey.
 
4.      Housing needs survey
 
John, Corrina and Jen had met to discuss the housing needs survey and to review the Allendale version. The following recommendations were agreed:
The survey should not be carried out over summer when people would be away or focused on the busiest season: we should aim for September.
We should launch the survey with a public meeting to maximise publicity and also provide an update on where we are with the work.
We should have a drop in event for people to discuss housing needs, probably on a Saturday but linked to the launch.  (It was noted that the head of the Homefinder service would present to the next meeting of the N Sunderland PC.)
The survey should be more than a housing needs survey as it was an opportunity to contact all dwellings (which in turn would be easier to administer than distributing to permanent residences only). We should therefore find another name; information survey is the holding name. It would have questions for primary residences and second homes and also summarise the policy areas we were considering to ask for people’s responses.
 
The Allendale survey asked quite searching questions about people’s financial situation. Jonathan confirmed, however, that collecting information on incomes and savings was necessary to produce evidence about affordability. He agreed to investigate whether we could ask about what people could afford rather than directly about their finances and it was agreed that any finance question would be prefaced with a reason for the question and it would be voluntary.
 
John would draft a first version for comment.
 
5.      Policies
 
We had developed thoughts on the vision for the area but needed to start to focus on suitable policies. Corrina would prepare a list of policies used by other (approved) neighbourhood plans for the next meeting for us to assess their suitability. In the meantime, Jessica Turner of Northumberland Coast AONB presented the policies in their draft management plan (circulated after the meeting). The plan would be reviewed to make sure it was consistent with the local plan but in the meantime, our neighbourhood plan could adopt or use AONB policies which would then give them more strength. The style guide was already in our store of evidence.
 
The following policies were thought particularly useful:
LT1; Thriving communities (affordable housing and in-fills)
CE4; Development on the coastal slope
CE5; Priority for residential use
CE6; New build for tourism restrictions
CE7; Conversion of agricultural buildings
CE8; Style and standards guide
CE9; Caravan/chalet parks
CE10; Caravan sites
CE11 & 14; Renewables
CE12; New farm buildings
CE13; Dark Sky priority
CE16; Parking
 
6.      AOB
 
The youth survey had been prepared and was being road tested before being circulated.
 
It was agreed that we should speak to the GPs to understand their assessment of future needs of the area, particularly give the age of the population.  Maureen would draft a letter to the two practices.
 
Seahouses first school had started to work on the logo and some examples were admired.
 
 
7.      Next meeting: 4pm, 29th July, Stone Close Centre, Seahouses
 
Action points:
Holiday Home survey: All to trial then comment.
Draft information survey: John then all
Post Office costs for survey: John
Business survey to be sent to NNTA: John
Letter to GPs: Maureen
Youth survey: Jen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suggested policies from Census report:
Policies needed to increase the availability and supply of affordable housing, especially for young families, with a preference for those with a local connection to the area.
Policy needed to ensure some housing is retained as primary, year round accommodation in order to improve the sustainability of the local communities.
Policy needed to increase the percentage of affordable housing gained under Section 106 and similar to counteract the number of existing homes being bought to create Holiday Homes, let out on a weekly basis and treated as businesses. The Coastal Area needs to set a higher percentage than the county wide ambitions of the forthcoming Core Strategy.
Policy required to allocate affordable housing to those having a local connection and judged to be homeless or unsuitably housed.
Policies needed to increase the availability and supply of affordable housing, especially for young families, with a preference for those with a local connection to the area.
Policy ? Reinforces policy on restricting scale of holiday home growth?
Policy needed to increase available housing in all 3 parishes for single people under 65 who, with one income and not being classed as having a priority under housing allocation, may be being squeezed out of available housing?
Policy needed to cater for older people less able to care for themselves or who wish to downsize to a smaller home.
Policy for supported or residential accommodation options locally so people can make informed choices before they face any reduction in health?
Policy – ensure adequate parking provision for all new buildings to take into account potential multiple vehicle ownership. 
Policies required to make it easier for people to move to the area bringing with them their existing business or to set up new businesses which may, in time, expand to provide additional employment. Space for successful businesses to expand is also needed.
 
 
 
 
AONB Policies (apologies for font; these are copied from a pdf document).
 
Policy LT1: Community Vitality
The provision of affordable housing within the AONB will be supported where there is a demonstrable need and where its location and design will ensure that it will not adversely affect the special qualities of AONB. Disproportionately large extensions to small properties will be resisted to ensure that there is a supply of affordable first time homes and smaller properties. The retention of permanent residential properties will be supported, and the subdivision of properties to create holiday home and holiday annexes will be resisted.
 
Policy CE4: Development on the coastal slope or in other areas at risk of flooding or erosion
Northumberland Shoreline Management Plan 2 and associated studies are recognised as being of primary importance when land use change on the coast is being investigated, planned or considered, and so must be taken fully into account.
Development on the currently undeveloped coastal slope will be opposed. The use of private sea defences to make a development safe within its planned lifetime will not be supported and will be regarded as evidence of the fundamental unsuitability of that site to accommodate such development.
 
Policy CE5: Residential development
The construction of housing for permanent occupation will be supported where it will not adversely impact  upon the special qualities of the AONB and conforms  with relevant policies within the emerging Northumberland Local Development Plan. The imposition of occupancy restrictions to ensure that such housing is used for permanent residential accommodation rather than tourist accommodation will be promoted.
 
Policy CE6: New build for tourist accommodation
The construction of permanent housing for occupation as visitor accommodation will only be supported where it can be robustly demonstrated that there is a shortage of suitable buildings for conversion, a demonstrable need for further accommodation of this type, it will not have an adverse effect on the special qualities of the AONB and it conforms with the relevant policies of the Northumberland Local Plan.
 
Policy CE7: Conversion of agricultural buildings
Conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use or visitor accommodation will be scrutinised particularly in terms of the quality of the design and materials, and the extent to which the original form of the building is respected as set out in the AONB Design Guide for the Built Environment, as well as any impacts on designated sites. Nesting and roosting sites for important species such as barn owls, swifts, swallows and bats should be built in to conversions. Budget accommodation such as bunk barns that is appropriately designed and located will be supported, because of the shortage of such accommodation within the AONB.
 
Policy CE8 Design standards
High quality of design and landscaping in new buildings, conversions, alterations and maintenance work will be sought through advocacy of the AONB Design Guide for the Built Environment.
 
 
Policy CE9: Static caravan and chalet parks
New static caravan or chalet sites or extensions to existing sites will only be supported where it can be robustly demonstrated that they will not have a significant adverse effect on the special qualities of the AONB and that they conform with the relevant policies of the Northumberland Local Plan.
 
Policy CE10: Camping and caravan sites
Proposals for new camping and caravan sites or extensions to existing sites will be scrutinised in terms of the amount of permanent infrastructure to be constructed on the site, the nature and extent of the proposed landscaping and the proposed opening season, as well as the overall impact on the special qualities of the AONB.
 
Policy CE11: Domestic/farm scale renewable energy
Proposals for domestic or farm scale renewable energy developments will be supported if they will not have a significant adverse effect on the special qualities of the AONB. Individual wind turbines should be associated with existing settlements or buildings, of a size appropriate to their landscape setting and subject to a landscape and visual impact assessment. A landscape and visual impact assessment may also be required for other forms of renewable energy.
 
Policy CE14: Commercial scale renewable energy
Proposals  for  commercial scale  wind farms  within  the AONB will  be opposed. Commercial schemes outside of the AONB  but visible from it  will also be opposed unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they will not have an adverse effect on the special qualities of  the  AONB. Other forms of commercial-scale renewable energy schemes within, visible from or affecting important views into the AONB will be opposed unless it can be clearly  demonstrated  that  they  will not  have a significant adverse effect on the special qualities of the AONB.
 
Policy CE12: New farm buildings
New farm buildings should be located so as to minimise impacts on the special qualities of the AONB, ideally close to existing farm buildings, and careful design and landscaping should be used to minimise their landscape impact. Nesting sites for important species such as barn owls should be included in such buildings.
 
Policy CE13: Dark skies
The quality of the dark sky will be maintained and improved through advocacy and advice.  All development proposals will be assessed concerning their impact on the dark skies of the AONB.
 
Policy CE16: Parking
Where the parking of cars, in villages or open countryside, detracts from the quality of life of residents or the natural beauty and tranquillity of the AONB, a collaborative approach will be taken to design and implement an appropriate solution. The development of new car parks will only be supported where it can be clearly demonstrated that there is local support, demand can be demonstrated outside of peak times and the scheme achieves a net reduction in impact on the special features of the AONB.


 

 

North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:


Notes of meeting held on 21 May 2014 at Bamburgh


 


Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman, Jonathan Nicholson.


Apologies: Noel Page, Corrina Scott-Roy, David English


 


 


1.      The notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct summary.


 

Matters arising:

We had held two meetings with representatives of the Estates, with Smiths Gore representing the Armstrong Estate and the Lord Crewe Trust, and with Northumberland Estates. Both meetings had gone well. We primarily discussed their approaches to development, in terms of scale, location and style and found we had similar views. Both were willing to participate in a discussion about a “style guide” for developments and to participate in further meetings as the plan developed.

Jen, Jude and Margy would discuss the census analysis which had been prepared, and how to pull out themes to suggest or support our policies.
Christine and John still had to discuss data storage.

 

 

2.      Local Plan.

Jonathan (who was welcomed to his first meeting) confirmed that (partly due to the volume of responses) the timetable for the local plan had slipped. The full draft plan would probably be issued for consultation during August.

 

3.      Business Survey

Following the disappointing initial response, Jen had seen a number of other businesses to collect views and opinions, and would visit the Harbour (and businesses using it) with Geoffrey. The views expressed at the various interviews had been similar to those expressed in the earlier survey.

 

4.      Housing needs survey

It was agreed that we should carry out a housing needs survey. The information collected for the local plan had been done at a high level and did not provide enough detail to support conclusions about the needs in this area. Many of our policies would deal with housing developments and we needed as much information as possible.

 

It was accepted that the delivery and collection and analysis of data would be a lot of work – but the result would be worthwhile as long as we got a decent – 1/3? – response.

 

Since we would be distributing the questionnaire widely it was agreed we should also include the second home questionnaire and also ask for views on our preliminary views on policy areas. It would also be an opportunity to ask about people working from home.

John asked everyone to provide detailed comments on the Allendale survey; this was felt to be a good base for our area.

 

Lastly, the questions would be informed by the meeting with Four Housing which had been arranged for next week.

 

5.      Second Home survey

The draft circulated by Jen was discussed. Questions should include an understanding of why people owned the property/ies; what they would need to live here rather than elsewhere; and some idea of where their property was situated – in which villages or outside.

 

6.      AOB

The survey using the youth project was still outstanding but discussions with the project co-ordinator had started.

 

It was agreed that we should speak to the GPs to understand their assessment of future needs of the area, particularly give the age of the population.

 

7.      Next meeting: 4pm, 24th June, Stone Close Centre, Seahouses

 

Action points:

Business interviews: Jen

Census analysis: Jen, Jude and Margy

Discuss data storage: Christine and John

Second Home/Holiday Home survey: Geoff and Jen

Draft Housing Survey: respond to John: All



North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:

Notes of meeting held on 24 April 2014 at Bamburgh

 

Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, John Woodman, Brenda Stanton

Alastair Thomson from Centrifuge, advisers on the next LEADER programme (item 1)

Apologies: Noel Page, Margy Wilson, Corrina Scott-Roy, David English and Steve Robson

 

1.     LEADER 2015 – 2020

Alastair Thomson introduced the new programme for the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands LEADER project (an EU funding programme to promote rural areas). It would operate from 2015 to 2020. It’s too early to state the value of the programme, but it is likely to be of the order of £275K per year for the relevant area – Berwick to the borders of Ashington Morpeth. The emphasis would be on economic development; some level of match funding would always be required.

 

He was interested to get views on the issues in our area and the sorts of things that should be included as priorities; although the Government had set priorities nationally, these could and should be varied for the different areas. It was agreed he would give us a further presentation when the draft findings had been published (targeted for the end of June), that we would complete the survey and write to him directly with any individual comments. The following points were also made:

LEADER in the past had been very formulaic and bureaucratic – with serious penalties for people who did not do things properly. This could easily put off the sort of businesses the programme was designed to help. Desirable areas to focus on would be:

Funding for someone to work within the area –for example the development trust – to help organisations and businesses deal with funding applications

Assisting cultural and heritage activity and diversifying the economy

The development of a training and development infrastructure.

 

2.     The notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct summary.

 

3.     Local Plan.

It was likely that the timetable for the final draft of the local plan would slip because of the scale of work involved. It was noted with pleasure that the resources allocated to neighbourhood planning within the council would be increased (although so would the work).

 

4.     Business Survey

There had been 14 responses. This was disappointing, given that people had been chased. Nevertheless it was an indication of businesses views about the issues. Points made were:

-        The area needs to better promote what it has;

-        We need affordable housing;

-        The tourist season needs extending;

-        Current businesses need protection.

 

It was agreed that although the survey would count as a proper survey – it had been delivered to all businesses in the area – it should be complemented by other work. Jen would visit the main businesses to carry out more detailed survey: she had already done this with one business and got some useful responses. Later in the process, we would try to have some form of meeting for businesses; in addition it was noted that most of the businesses were owned by people who lived in the area who would be covered by other consultation work.

 

5.     Review of existing evidence: census information.

It was necessary to review the 2001/11 census information to assess the trends of population and housing in the area to provide supporting information for our policies. Two of those attending the neighbourhood plan meeting had suggested they had statistical skills and would be willing to help: it was agreed they would be asked to do the initial preparation and Jude and Margy would then review to see the implications for our policies. 

 

6.     Next steps

It was agreed we should draft and send a survey of second and holiday homes; this was partly to make sure their views on the area were caught and partly to better understand the long term reasons people held these assets as this impacted on questions of housing and land use.

 

It was also agreed we should carry out a housing needs survey. It was accepted that this would involve a lot of work but:

-        We need at some stage to validate our initial thinking with a survey so we could combine the two;

-        We can build on work done by others in terms of drafting the survey;

-        If we are to include policies on the type of housing tenure and styles, we need to have evidence.

 

We could also consider advertising for interest in affordable housing to understand demand.

 

Before distributing the survey it was felt we should meet with the main social landlords in the area, Four Housing and Johnnie Johnson, to understand their views and needs. Maureen Bramley, Jen Hall and David Donaldson would attend these meetings.

 

Lastly, it was agreed we should meet with the estates to get an understanding of their views and plans. The relevant parish representatives would attend these meetings.

 

7.     Next meeting: 4.15, 21st May, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

 

Action points:

Set up Estates/Landlords meetings: John

Business survey: Jen

Census analysis: Jen, Jude and Margy

Discuss data storage: Christine and John

Respond to LEADER consultation: All

Second Home/Holiday Home survey: Geoff and Jen

Housing Survey: Obtain draft from NCC: John






North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:

Notes of meeting held on 13 March 2014 at Seahouses

Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Corrina Scott-Roy, Geoffrey Stewart, Margy Wilson, John Woodman, Brenda Stanton and from NCC: Karen Ledger, David English, Steve Robson, Vanessa Oakley and Helen Griffiths.

Apologies: Noel Page, Christine Williamson.

 

The previous notes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct summary. The actions had been carried out, except that it was confirmed that Jude should speak to Ellingham School to ask them to prepare ideas on what is special to the area.

 

It was noted that NCC were collating comments received on the Local Plan and would be issuing a further draft, this time of the full document, in Summer before finalising the document for submission later in the year. Consideration was being given to issues raised from this area, specifically on how to retain an acceptable balance of new housing for residential use and how to align AONB policies with the Plan. The question of space and support for business was also being addressed, with the need for new businesses and for entrepreneurial activity in this area being noted. One of the downsides of the growth in retired people moving in is that many had little desire to establish new businesses.

 

Not many responses from the business survey had been received yet which was a pity as understanding the needs of business would be a good basis for what would be needed to encourage more entrepreneurial activity in the area.  It was agreed that we would review the position at the end of next week (which should be after our press release on the business survey was published in the local papers) and if necessary revisit the businesses to encourage them to complete the survey.

 

Karen noted that although the neighbourhood plan was inevitable focused on land use policies it was also useful to include other aspirational issues such as infrastructural needs because the plan would be used to influence policies, allocations or prioritisation by the Council and similar bodies. We should therefore use the plan to document any views on how to encourage business activity.

 

After discussion it was agreed that second home owners were a potential source of ideas on business needs – by definition, many would have been successful and we should seek their ideas as well as encourage them to take part in the community and establish what they would need to either move here or establish a business here. It was agreed they should be targeted with a separate questionnaire. Geoff and Jen agreed to draft a questionnaire.

 

The group reviewing existing evidence had collected a significant amount of material – Christine had the list, and it would be circulated later – covering policies, designations, previous housing surveys and the census. Steve agreed to locate information from the 2001 census and Jude and Margy would analyse and compare the 2001 and 2011 censuses. One of the more interesting pieces was the YouTube videos made in 2009 about housing issues in the area. It was agreed that we should track down those interviewed to prepare case studies by seeing see what had happened to them since.

 

It was agreed that we should start to record our findings in appropriate language: Corrina agreed to consider this.

 

Action points:

John would send an update for the Village News and PC notice boards.

John and Jen would collate business survey responses by 24th March; depending on the results, businesses would be revisited or targeted (Action: All).

Geoff and Jen would draft a second home owner survey

Jude and Margy would summarise the census information

Corrina would consider the documentation of our findings

Christine would circulate a list of evidence

 

The next meeting would be at 4.15 on Thursday 24 April at Bamburgh Castle Golf Club.

 

 


North Northumberland Coast Steering Committee:

Notes of meeting held on 29 January 2014 at Beadnell

 

Present: Jude Aldred, Maureen Bramley, David Donaldson, Jen Hall, Geoff Martindale, Noel Page, Corrina Scott-Roy, Geoffrey Stewart, Christine Williamson, Margy Wilson, John Woodman, Brenda Stanton.

 
The group thought that the launch event had gone well and there was enthusiasm for the project.

 
It was agreed that the next focus would be on collecting the views of businesses and young people and on assessing the evidence already available. We should also try to keep people updated with progress.

 
The immediate focus on businesses would be those with a shopfront/physical presence. When we did the house to house full survey later on, we would include a section to cover businesses based at home. We should try to cover holiday lets both through the known agencies and by asking them to contact house owners for comments.

 
It was agreed:

John would draft a letter/survey for businesses

Jen would liaise with the Youth project

Jude would speak with Ellingham school to see how they would be interested to participate

Corrina would lead a group (with Jude, Jen and Christine) collecting and reviewing available evidence (& John would liaise with Barry Gardener to see if he could develop a database to store evidence and other information).

Geoff would investigate Survey Monkey to prepare a questionnaire for holiday letting businesses

Maureen would collate the sign in sheets

John would prepare a newsletter to update people who had given us email addresses

Corrina would draft a notice for parish notice boards (Geoff would supply a template)

David would start considering the issues to be dealt with in a housing survey

 

The next meeting would be at 4.15 on Thursday 27 February at the Stone Close centre.

 



Steering Committee: notes of first meeting

5 pm, 28 October 2013, Seahouses Sports and Community Centre

 
Present: Jude Aldred; Maureen Bramley; David Donaldson; Geoff Martindale; Noel Page; Geoffrey Stewart; Margy Wilson; John Woodman.

Apologies: Jen Hall; Christine Williamson.

 
In attendance: David English and Steve Robson (NCC).

 
1 Introductions

1.1  John Woodman was elected chair of the Steering Committee

1.2  It was agreed minutes of the meeting should be published on the plan website and by the parish councils (“PCs”). Someone who had offered to help with the development of the plan would be asked to take minutes in future, but  failing that the parish councils would be asked to provide secretarial support.


2. Approval of Application Form

The wording of the application form to have the area of the three parishes designated as a neighbourhood plan area was approved. The three parish councils would be recommended to approve it for submission.

Action: PC Chairs; David English to provide map of the area.

 
3. Approval of Terms of Reference

The draft terms of reference were approved (the amendments suggested by NCC would be incorporated but had not been circulated; it was noted they improved the style but did not affect the principles). The three parish councils would be recommended to approve them and to approve their chair signing them.

Action: PC Chairs


4. First public launch meeting.

4.1 It was agreed that the final format would be decided at the next meeting. There should be presentations at the start introducing the idea of neighbourhood plans, similar to those made at the Beadnell meeting and possibly including someone from one of the areas (Alnwick and Denwick was suggested) who were further advanced in the process.

The question of whether this meeting should be primarily aimed at interesting potential volunteers or getting views and opinions from the public were discussed – on balance it was thought it should primarily seek to interest the public and attract future helpers, although we should also seek people’s views. There would have to be a further event – probably based in each village – to attract the public’s ideas on what was important. Ideas for this event included table discussions on topics and display boards/post-it notes to capture ideas. These should cover at the least people’s vision for the area, what they thought was important and identifying areas for future development and for green space.

 
4.2 It was agreed it should be in the evening of Tuesday 21 January 2014 in the main hall of the Seahouses Sports and Community centre.

 
4.3 It was agreed that we should publicise the event through the Village News, parish newsletters and the Parish Councils.

Action: John Woodman to draft notice and book hall; All to publicise the event and the plan.

 
5. Likely information requirements.

It was noted that housing would probably be the key issue in the plan, and a housing needs survey would probably be required. The survey used by Allendale (which had had a 38% response rate) was described. It was noted that the AONB with parishes was currently trying analyse houses by into residential, second home and holiday lets.

David English noted that other plans had carried out a general survey to establish people’s general views on the area – Alnwick provided an example – and that it was important to try to establish people’s ideas on a vision for the area. It was initially felt that such a survey should be carried out after initial work had been done to give people some options.

Action: John Woodman to circulate details of the Allendale and Alnwick surveys.

 
6. Funding.

David English agreed to identify possible sources of funding.

It was noted that the parish councils might well have to contribute something, although costs would be kept to a minimum, in line with the terms of reference.

The community forum balance maintained by Bamburgh Parish Council was discussed as a possible source of funding. It had originally been obtained by Pat Scott, the previous county councillor, and John Woodman would discuss the source and possible use with her.

Action: David English to identify possible funding; John Woodman to discuss community forum balance with Pat Scott.

 
7. AOB

It was noted that the AONB’s landscape assessment and management plan could well contain planning policies and guidance which could be adopted or adapted.


Next Meeting:

5pm, Seahouses Sports and Community Centre, 25 November 2013

(note: it was felt that meetings should generally be held in the different villages).


Summary of Action Points:
All: publicise the launch event and the plan.

PC Chairs: Approval of terms of reference and application form by parish councils.

David English: Obtain map of the area; identify possible funding sources.

John Woodman: Discuss funding with Pat Scott; Draft article for Village News; Book launch event meeting; Circulate details of surveys.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)