To enable the Cabinet to consider the recommendation made to it by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee in relation to the Draft Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document.

RESOLVED that the Hartley Gardens Draft Supplementary Planning Document (August 2025) and associated evidence base (listed as Background Documents) be approved for publication and consultation with residents and other interested stakeholders.

Cabinet had before it a reference report (A.2) that enabled it to consider the recommendation made to it by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee in relation to the Draft Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

It was reported that the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee (“the Committee”), at its meeting held on  8 September 2025 (Minute 13 referred), had considered a detailed report of the Corporate Director (Planning and Community) (A.1) which had updated the Committee on the progress of the Hartley Gardens SPD and which had also sought the Committee’s endorsement to recommend to Cabinet that the draft SPD be published for public consultation.

The Committee’s decision at its meeting held on 8 September 2025 had been as follows:-

“RESOLVED that the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee recommends to Cabinet that the Hartley Gardens Draft Supplementary Planning Document (August 2025) and associated evidence base (listed as Background Documents) be published for consultation with residents and other interested stakeholders.”

Cabinet had before it the following response of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder to the Committee’s recommendation:-

“I thank the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee for its detailed consideration of the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and for helping to bring it to this important stage. As a site allocated in our adopted Local Plan, Hartley Gardens is expected to make a significant contribution to meeting the District’s housing needs over the coming decades. The principle of development has already been established, but I recognise that local residents and Ward Members have raised important concerns – particularly around infrastructure, health provision, and the need for development to be well-planned and sustainable.

The SPD provides a clear framework for how development should come forward at Hartley Gardens, setting out the Council’s expectations around the quality of design, movement and access, green infrastructure, and the delivery of supporting infrastructure. It reflects the feedback received during early engagement with Councillors, stakeholders, and the public, and demonstrates how those views have helped shape the emerging masterplan.

I am keen that residents now have the opportunity to review the proposals and share their views through public consultation. This is a chance for the community to help refine the details and ensure the final SPD reflects local priorities and aspirations. I look forward to seeing how the consultation helps strengthen the document and supports the successful delivery of this important site.”

The Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder commended the Planning Policy Team Leader (Paul Woods) and his Team on the work that had gone into producing the SPD.

Having duly considered the recommendation submitted by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee, together with the response of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder thereto:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Henderson and:-

RESOLVED that the Hartley Gardens Draft Supplementary Planning Document (August 2025) and associated evidence base (listed as Background Documents) be approved for publication and consultation with residents and other interested stakeholders.