On 10 December 2020 Council agreed a Motion that Cabinet
consider a Moratorium on development in Staines-upon-Thames.
Cabinet was asked to make a decision on:
1. Whether any proposed development of Staines Town Centre by Spelthorne Borough Council should be kept on hold until the Staines Development Framework has been adopted; and
2. Whether Developers of Major applications proposed in the Staines Town Centre should be requested to defer their applications until the Staines Development Framework is adopted.
Cabinet considered a report which set out the background and reason for the Motion and provided a detailed analysis of the severe implications the moratorium would have if agreed.
Cabinet noted that the Council had no power to direct Developers to defer their applications and that the Council had already written to some and had received negative responses.
Cabinet discussed the report and expressed concern that a Moratorium on development in Staines-upon-Thames would have a severe impact on the Council’s revenue budget and delivery of much needed affordable housing.
Cabinet agreed that it was important that the Council listen to the views of all residents to ensure the right balance was struck between delivering affordable housing and meeting the needs of the wider community. This would be achieved through an Issues and Options consultation exercise.
Cabinet expressed the view that the Council needed to ensure that decisions were made in an open and transparent way with members having oversight of development projects at all key stages, through a cross-party sub-committee of the proposed Policy and Resources Committee as agreed at Extraordinary Council held on 21 January.
Cabinet agreed that they would like the assets team to critically review the viability of all development projects in Staines-upon-Thames to see if there was scope to amend any of the schemes whilst ensuring they remain financially viable.
Alternative options considered and rejected by Cabinet:
Resolved: That a Moratorium on Council schemes in Staines-Upon-Thames should take place until such time as three things take place, with the intention that these will be completed prior to the Annual Council meeting in May 2021;
1. That the Strategic Planning team undertake an Issues and Options consultation exercise for the Staines Development Framework.
2. That a sub-committee, which was agreed at Extraordinary Council on 21 January 2021, is included in the recommendations of the Committee System Working Group to be reported to Extraordinary Council, currently scheduled for 25 March 2021.
3. That the viability of all the developments are reviewed by the assets team.
Reasons for Decision:
The Council will have the opportunity to pause, reflect, realign, and listen to residents’ views without the severe consequences a two-year delay would bring.
The Council will reach its decisions with more transparency and accountability and seek to achieve balance between the Borough’s housing need and the wider wishes of the local community.
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