Apologies were received from Councillors Roger Dawson and Alex Hall.

At this point in the Meeting, Members were invited to declare any relevant interests.  None were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 June 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 June 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

Actions from the previous Meeting(s).

Members were referred to the updated Action Sheet.  The actions were noted as complete or in hand.

To receive a report.

Greg Macrdechian, Interim Local Plan Lead presented the updated Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan report, noting:

·       The plan had previously been reconsidered and sent back for further consultation due to a disagreement with the inspector over the proposed designation of a local green space behind the Blue Bell public house.

·       The recent consultation received positive support, with no further objections from the landowner or agent.

·       Additional evidence was included in the report, Sections 2.11 and 2.12 on pages 10 to 11 of the report refer, to support the designation including references to national landscape quality and community interests.

·       The plan was now ready to proceed to referendum and adoption as part of the development framework.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

·       A Member proposed that the Committee support the report and its recommendations, noting the community’s strong support and the importance of respecting local wishes.

·       A Member raised a concern about potential legal challenges due to going against the Inspector’s recommendation. The Interim Local Plan Lead confirmed that once the judicial review period had passed, the plan would carry full weight in planning decisions.

·       A Member seconded the proposal and emphasized the importance of the Committee having a meaningful role in shaping planning policy.

·       The Committee discussed the broader value of neighbourhood plans, particularly in the context of speculative development and the lack of a five-year housing supply.

·       A Member thanked the Chairman, the Committee and Local Plan Lead for their work in steering the NDP through the process and supporting the community.

Following which, the Committee unanimously agreed to note and support the recommendations in the report and endorsed the plan proceeding to the Executive Board and referendum.

In response to Members' request for additional items on future Planning Policy Committee agendas, the Local Plan Lead confirmed that the Local Plan work programme would be presented to the Committee following an initial review by the Chairman.  Renewable energy may also be included as a future agenda item.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Committee will be 16 October 2025.

The date of the next Meeting was confirmed as Thursday 16^th October 2025.