Issue - meetings

The Executive Board considered a report which provided details of two Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents which had been prepared to support and elaborate upon the policies and provisions of the adopted Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP).

The draft Wind and Solar Energy SPG provided more detailed guidance for facilitating the development of renewable energy schemes, focusing in particular on wind and solar energy. The SPG provided general guidance for onshore wind and solar energy applications on issues such as pre-applications, Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitat Regulations Assessment, grid connection, community energy, community benefits, agricultural land, ecological considerations, mitigation and enhancement.  The draft SPG was published for public consultation during the period 23^rd August to 5^th October 2018. Six responses were received, the details of which were included in the report.

The draft Highways Design Guide SPG will replace the existing Highway Design Guidance which dated back to 1997 and since that time there have been a number of important changes to local and national policy as well as new design templates.  The new Highways Design Guide ensures that the guidance is accurate and up to date with current legal and policy guidance.  It also ensures that developers or interested parties are fully informed on the expectations for the design of highway infrastructure for development in the county.  The preparation and adoption of the guidance as SPG will assist developers, designers and other professionals in understanding the highways requirements for new development and will assist in the determination of proposals as they emerge.  It seeks to encourage developers to create highway layouts which have a distinctive character in their built environment and landscaping whilst applying design standards which will achieve safe, sustainable provision for all users. It was intended that the guide would be a key reference document to be cited when determining highways responses to planning consultations. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL

9.1     that the responses to the consultation exercise be noted and the           draft Wind and Solar Energy SPG be approved and adopted,

          subject to the conditions as detailed in the report;

9.2     that the draft Highways Design Guide SPG be published for formal           public consultation for a six week period;

9.3     that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning to           correct typographical, cartographical or grammatical errors and to           make amendments in order to enhance accuracy and clarity of           meaning.