Council debate plan review

News Archive > General > Council debate plan review

Tamsin Chapman25/01/2012

It has been recommended that a document which provides a planning policy for St Austell, St Blazey and the China Clay Area should not be used in the decision making process following the threat of a judicial review.
The St Austell, St Blazey and China Clay Area Regeneration plan was adopted by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet in July 2011 but goes back to the Cabinet today after a pre-action protocol letter, indicating an intention to challenge the plan in the High Court, was received.
The challenge alleged that the plan sought to provide policy in support of development only in the China Clay area ahead of the core strategy. It also alleges that the Council’s Strategic Environmental Assessment/Sustainability Assessment (SEA/SA) is inadequate.
The Council have denied both accusations and said they would defend the claim if it were pursued.
The Council did, however, decide to review the plan, particularly in light of the subsequrnt publication of the Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework.
At today’s Cabinet meeting the council will consider three recommendations, including that the plan should be reviewed and not considered in decision making by the council.
It is also recommended that the Head of Planning and Regeneration reviews the plan.
The  possible review of the regeneration plan bought Eco-Bos's planned development of West Carclaze/Baal  to a halt last year, as their application referred to the plan and was created in line with its aspirations.
Eco-Bos director John Hodkin said: “Following Cornwall Council’s announcement that it is to carry out a review of the St Austell, St Blazey and China Clay Area Regeneration Plan, we have taken the view that in the best interests of achieving a robust planning outcome it would be inappropriate to push for a determination of our planning application for West Carclaze and Baal.
“We remain fully committed to the Eco-communities initiative and would stress that we have not withdrawn the application but have instead asked Cornwall Council to delay its consideration until there is further clarity on planning policy.”