Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Interim Planning Policy Lead Manager, which informed the Panel of the results of the Kettering General Hospital – Draft Local Development Order (LDO) consultation.

The proposed LDO would provide permitted development rights for specified types of development in specified zones within the site to support its redevelopment.  The LDO would be a mechanism through which less contentious development could be managed effectively, without the need for the submission of planning applications and their determination, reducing the risk of scheme delay and providing a degree of flexibility.  Development outside of the zones, or not fulfilling the conditions specified, would still require the submission of planning applications.

The draft LDO was consulted upon with stakeholders, statutory agencies and neighbours immediately abutting the site.  Five responses were submitted to the Council and as a result of these responses, several amendments had been made to the final LDO for consideration.

During discussion, the following principal points were noted:

i.        The Chair thanked everybody, including North Northamptonshire Council, Kettering General Hospital, stakeholders and the public who had had an input to the consultation.

ii.       The redevelopment of the hospital would be a massive undertaking.  Members questioned that during construction development, how would the Council ensure that KGH would work to the LDO and how it would be enforced.

iii.      The aim of the LDO was for the smallest amount of disruption whilst keeping services going and KGH were mindful of the impacts on neighbours.  The initial programme of works would become clear with the Phase 1 planning application.  If anyone had concerns, the Council did have enforcement powers.  There was a good relationship with the Trust.

iv.      It was confirmed that there would also be an opportunity to add any additional conditions to the LDO when it was considered by the Strategic Planning Committee.

v.       It was noted that there were not conditions around areas where Members expected there should be, including noise and vibration, asbestos and burning on site.  Officers responded by saying that the extent of the LDO was reduced so it did not fall into major development.

vi.      It was confirmed that Phases 1 and 2 were outside the LDO.  The LDO would remove the need for planning applications for some works and there were other regimes for compliance.  The hospital received some flexibilities during Covid and the LDO, would in part, extend those.

vii.     The LDO did not seek to replicate issues which were covered by other regulations, and it was suggested that officers further considered any possible conditions, prior to the LDO’s consideration at Strategic Planning Committee.

viii.    KGH would be trying to keep as many aspects of its services on site during the works.  Off-site parking sites were being considered for staff, with visitors still on the site.  It was accepted that it was a challenging site.

ix.      It was not yet clear which of the site’s accesses would be used by construction traffic.  A transport assessment would be submitted as part of the planning application.  Members stated that it was essential to keep Kettering town centre moving and there was a need to understand what impact the LDO would have on traffic and traffic management.

x.       Members were concerned that Highways had made no significant comments on the transport issues.  The LDO would involve more construction traffic and would require traffic plans to manage the road.

RESOLVED:

(i)      To note the responses to the Draft Local Development Order consultation, and officer comments to those responses.

(ii)     That any amendments to the draft LDO, prior to its consideration by the Strategic Planning Committee, be made by the Assistant Director of Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chair of the Executive Advisory Panel.