Issue - meetings

To consider the strategic director’s report. 

The Cabinet considered the strategic director’s report on a local development order for Milton Park in the Science Vale UK enterprise zone.  The report sought Cabinet’s approval to consult on the draft order. 

Cabinet noted that the order would allow development of land within the designated area of Milton Park, including the construction of new buildings.  The options were to:

1. not to proceed with an order, leaving businesses without certainty that their development plans would be approved, or
2. proceed with the order, to create economic growth, business rates growth and new jobs at Milton Park. 

Cabinet believed the council should proceed with the order, as it would bring economic benefits to the Vale.  The order would last for 15 years.  In answer to a question from a Cabinet member on whether the new buildings at the park would be built with sustainability in mind, generating more energy than they used, the chairman agreed to take this up with Milton Park’s owners. 

Cabinet noted that the order effectively created additional permitted development rights.  The council would retain enforcement powers if there were any breaches of the order. 

RESOLVED: To

(a)       authorise the officers to carry out a statutory public consultation on the draft Local Development Order for Milton Park; and

(b)       authorise the strategic director to approve the final format of the consultation papers, including the draft order and statement of reasons.