Agenda and minutes

The Convener advised that there were no changes to the order of business or urgent matters to be considered.

With reference to paragraphs 6 and 8 of the Minute of 14 December 2015, it was noted that the decisions relating to finance and governance had been ratified by four member authorities but this process had yet to be completed by Midlothian and West Lothian Councils. 

2.1       With reference to paragraph 11 of the Minute of 14 December 2015 in respect of the City of Edinburgh Housing Land Audit, the SDP Manager advised that the Annual Housing Update report would be presented at the Joint Committee meeting in May.

2.2       With reference to paragraph 12 of the Minute of 14 December 2015 in respect of the letter to be sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, the SDP Manager advised that in light of the current Planning Review it was suggested that the letter be held pending the outcome of the Review.  Councillor Bell advised that he had discussed this with Councillor Laird and concurred that it would not be appropriate to send the letter at present but if the Planning Review did not adequately address the issue then it would be sent at that time.

DECISION

NOTED.

The Minute of Meeting of 14 December 2015 had been circulated. 

DECISION

APPROVED the Minute as a correct record.

There had been circulated copies of a report by the SDP Manager presenting the proposed Development Plan Scheme 8 (DPS 8) for approval.  The SDP Manager advised that the Joint Committee was required to publish a Development Plan Scheme annually. The report explained that the DPS had to include a participation statement setting out how, when and with whom SESplan would consult on the various Strategic Development Plan (SDP) stages.  DPS 7 had been approved by SESplan Joint Committee on 30 March 2015. The proposed DPS 8 was appended to the report. It was noted that with regard to the timeline detailed on page 7 of the Plan “Autumn/Winter 2017” would be changed to “Summer 2017”. 

DECISION

AGREED to:-

(a)     approve the proposed Development Plan Scheme (DPS 8) including the amended timeline and Participation Statement for SDP2 for publication and submission to Scottish Ministers as set out within Appendix A to the report;

(b)     note that the Development Plan Scheme had to be reviewed and published at least annually; and

(c)     authorise the SDP Manager to make any necessary minor editing and design changes to DPS 8 prior to publication.

There had been circulated copies of a report by the SDP Manager presenting the draft SESplan Stakeholder Strategy to the SESplan Joint Committee for consideration and noting.  The report explained that the aim of the strategy was to encourage and support the greater involvement of all those with an interest in the future of the area in the development planning process and was a long term strategy setting out a commitment to the continuous improvement of engagement in the SDP and the development plan. The strategy was informed by and built on SESplan’s experience to date including recent engagement in MIR2. The SDP Manager answered Members questions including those on the involvement of young people, the engagement with Community Planning Partnerships and the provision of materials to Community Councils.  In response to a question on resources it was noted that the help of officers from member authorities would be required.

DECISION

NOTED:-

(a)     the draft Stakeholder Strategy; and

(b)     that key stakeholders would be invited to comment on the draft Strategy.

There were no items raised.