Issue - decisions
Cabinet Member Questions
16/06/2026 - Cabinet Member Questions
The Cabinet Member asked whether references within the Green Gap policy related to Siddington Parish as a whole or specifically to the village settlement, noting that Siddington comprised several distinct built areas separated by open land.
In response, the officer explained that the Neighbourhood Plan covered the whole parish, but that the Green Gap policy related specifically to the settlement of Siddington. The officer advised that further clarification within the policy would ensure that residents, planners and developers clearly understood the geographical area to which the policy applied. It was confirmed that these matters had been discussed with Siddington Parish Council.
The Cabinet Member welcomed the inclusion of sustainable transport proposals and observed that it was important for the Parish Council to identify its aspirations, even if the routes could not be delivered immediately, particularly in the context of the emerging Local Plan. She asked whether the policies would generally align with the Local Plan, including those relating to design, housing and housing mix.
In response, the officer advised that the proposed policies were considered to be broadly compatible with the Local Plan. It was noted that the sustainable transport policy identified three potential routes in a flexible manner, without prescribing their precise alignment, thereby allowing scope for landownership considerations and future delivery mechanisms. The Cabinet Member commented that this represented a positive approach.
The Cabinet Member also sought clarification regarding references to local people within the housing mix policy.
In response, the officer explained that Siddington Parish Council had previously removed its own eligibility criteria, as Gloucestershire County Council was responsible for the process used to prioritise affordable and social housing allocations. He advised that Gloucestershire's guidance allowed parishes to define what constituted a local connection, including neighbouring parishes if desired, and that this remained an option available to Siddington Parish Council.
The Cabinet Member further referred to flooding issues within Siddington and noted that the Parish Council possessed considerable local knowledge regarding flood sources and potential mitigation measures. Councillor Layton invited further comments from the flood risk officer.
In response, the officer stated that he was generally satisfied with the policy and explained that the suggested amendments related only to points of clarification intended to strengthen the wording, rather than to any significant changes to the policy.