Agenda item

Context:

To scrutinise the results of the recent consultation exercise regarding the Draft Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) produced to provide further details of policies contained within the Monmouthshire Local Development Plan (LDP) and to consider whether to  endorse the SPG, with a view to it being formally adopted as SPG in connection with the Monmouthshire LDP. 

Key issues:

The Economy and Development Select Committee was informed of the preparation of Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on Sustainable Tourism Accommodation to provide clarification on the interpretation of the policies of the Monmouthshire Local Development Plan (LDP) on 9^th February 2017.

Planning Committee subsequently endorsed the Draft Sustainable Tourism Accommodation SPG on 7^th March 2017, with a view to issuing it for consultation purposes. The Cabinet Member for Innovation, Enterprise and Leisure took the decision to issue the SPG for consultation on 26^th April 2017.

The consultation took place for a period of six weeks between Thursday 1^st June 2017 and Thursday 13^th July 2017. A notice was placed in the Monmouthshire Free Press on 31st May 2017 and 427 individual notifications were sent in a joint consultation with the Rural Conversions to Residential or Tourism Use SPG to the following:

·         Specific (including Town and Community Councils), General and other consultees, as identified in the LDP Community Involvement Scheme.

·         Those considered to have an interest in the SPG topic, including relevant pre-planning applicants / applicants and specific tourism contacts.

·         Residents who were on the LDP consultation data base and had specifically requested to be notified of the SPGs.

·         Agents / developers who work in the Council area.

Copies of the draft SPG and representation forms were made available at the Council’s Community Hubs / libraries and on the Council’s website for the duration of the consultation period. The consultation was also publicised via the Twitter Account @MCCPlanning.

A total of seven replies were received. Generally, no significant objections were received and only minor amendments to the SPG documents have been necessary.

Member Scrutiny:

·         The SPG looks at sustainable types of tourism, specifically around glamping. The next LDP will revisit how these policies are written to ensure that the definition is as clear as possible which will be helpful for businesses.

·         Hadnock Road Hotel – This is a Ministerial decision to refuse permission with regard to the boutique hotel and spa application. In response to a question about options available to the Council or developer now, it was explained that the only option available is to consider judicial review.  However, the decision is based on established national planning policy so officer advice is that there are no grounds for a challenge.