This council accepts that there is no operational need for the water treatment plant to be relocated to the Honey Hill site between Horningsea and Fen Ditton, the relocation allows houses to be built on the current site via the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
This council does not believe that the relocation of the water treatment plant to the Honey Hill site should be deemed acceptable.
This council will clearly distinguish where the proposed relocation is situated within the Local Plan documentation going forward.
The council will make clear how many dwellings could be allocated without relocation of the water treatment plant. These measures would ensure full transparency in all future documents so residents can accurately ascertain the emerging Local Plan’s impact to the green belt.
Decision:
Council Rejected this Motion.
Minutes:
1.This council accepts that there is no operational need for the water treatment plant to be relocated to the Honey Hill site between Horningsea and Fen Ditton, the relocation allows houses to be built on the current site via the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
2.This council does not believe that the relocation of the water treatment plant to the Honey Hill site should be deemed acceptable.
3.This council will clearly distinguish where the proposed relocation is situated within the Local Plan documentation going forward.
4.The council will make clear how many dwellings could be allocated without relocation of the water treatment plant. These measures would ensure full transparency in all future documents so residents can accurately ascertain the emerging Local Plan’s impact to the green belt.
Councillor Graham Cone stated that the process for the relocation of the water treatment plan had not been open or transparent. This Council had not given a preference but the relocation could result in 8,000 fewer homes in the Local Plan.
Councillor Heather Williams explained that the relocation of the treatment plant was linked to the Local Plan and the purpose of this motion was to ensure that the Councill gave a view on this issue.
Councillor Brian Milnes explained that the location of the treatment plant was beyond the remit of this authority. He was therefore not going to support the motion.
Councillor Carla Hoffman stated that it was too late for the Council to influence this decision, which was the responsibility of the Government.
Councillor John Williams stated this matter was discussed at a Planning Portfolio Holder meeting under the previous administration. He had opposed the move to the Honey Hill site but it had been supported by the administration, the Conservative controlled County Council and the Conservative Mayor. It was now preferable for the Council to work with Anglia Water to get a development that was suitable for the District.
Councillor Dr Richard Williams spoke in favour of the motion. He stated that the Council was the local planning authority and was responsible for housing in the District. He therefore disagreed with the suggestion that the Council could not influence the process to the benefit of its residents.
Councillor Graham Cone explained that housing cannot built on the current site without the relocation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the purpose of this motion was to try and get this to happen.
Councillor Graham Cone proposed and Councillor Heather Williams seconded the motion. A vote was taken and were cast as follows:
In favour (9):
Councillors Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Carla Hofman, Mark Howell, Daniel Lentell, Bunty Waters, Dr Richard Williams and Heather Williams.
Against (25):
Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Paul Bearpark, Anna Bradnam, Dr Martin Cahn, Stephen Drew, Libby Earle, Peter Fane, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr James Hobro, Helene Leeming, Dr John Loveluck, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dr Lisa Redrup, Judith Rippeth, Peter Sandford, Bridget Smith, Dr Aidan Van de Weyer, Natalie Warren-Green and John Williams.
Abstain (1):
Councillor Ariel Cahn.
Council Rejected this Motion.