Minutes 27th November 2022
Held on Tuesday 29th November at 7.30pm in the Christian Fellowship Church.
Present
Andrea Long (via Zoom), Rachel Leggett, Sam Coster, Anne List, Steph Amey, Matthew Bradbury, Ali Doe and Steve Thompson.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received prior to the meeting from Austen Williams, Rufus Philip, Virginia Twentyman and Paul Roberts.
2. Accuracy of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 October 2022 were agreed as correct after minor spelling corrections.
3. DRAFT POLICIES PART 2 (following on from previous meeting)
3.1 Any revisions to sections covered at the last meeting
Andrea had re-ordered the Objectives as per the previous meeting and she then went through the revisions discussed and agreed previously. Rachel asked if we could clarify the percentage of affordable housing to make it clear in accordance with SNDC policies. Andrea confirmed she will reference the survey evidence for each relevant section. Rachel stated that regards the parking policy we still await the technical note from AECOM but caution should be applied so we don’t end up with the referendum voting against the Neighbourhood Plan if it contains something about parking that isn’t backed up by community evidence.
A discussion took place about adding the green space at The Hops play area and other areas absent. Steph suggested biodiversity replacement / offsets should be local (ie. Not in another community such as trees planted outside the Parish). Matthew will add appropriate comments about carbon credits.
3.2 Sections not covered last time – Community and Business
Andrea explained that Community Infrastructure could be physical, medical, educational, green or digital. Policies HING7 will reference new sports facilities. HING8 will reference Allotments and Green Spaces. Rachel advised these need to reference the Design Code. HING13 would be New and Existing Businesses. The policy should include support for small businesses but not to the exclusion of larger expansions or new businesses. The group also agreed the policy should mention sustainable or green industry being supported. HING14 regarding Retail was discussed. HING15 Agricultural Diversification was also discussed. (NB: policy numbering may change during the re drafting of the plan).
Ali asked that the Policy document be circulated to the group when completed.
3.3 NON-DESIGNATED HERITAGE ASSETS
This subject was discussed and it was agreed that the group would re-assess a list of buildings to be considered for inclusion.
3.4 IMPORTANT VIEWS
This was discussed and a draft map will be prepared by Rachel.
3.5 PLAN STRUCTURE
Andrea shared what a draft structure plan would look like and showed a proposed contents page.
4. DESIGN CODE UPDATE
Rachel reported that some available members of the Steering Group had attended a meeting via Zoom on 22 November to review the Draft Design Codes and a list of proposed amendments had been circulated. As a result, a Zoom meeting was scheduled for 1st December with AECOM to discuss these. She advised that the design codes need to be illustrated and specific to Hingham. She also thought a Design Vision was missing. She asked the group to consider:
Q1. What is good design?
Q2. What is good design in Hingham?
Q3. Should Hops 2 be like Hops 1 and if not, why not?
Q4. What should the gateway/entrance to the town be like at the eastern or western ends?
Rachel stated that after the discussion with AECOM on 1 December a further review by the Steering Group of any second draft should take place.
5. PARKING STUDY UPDATE
This matter will await the report from AECOM before being further discussed.
6. SITE OPTIONS UPDATE
Assessments are still awaited from AECOM of those sites submitted.
7. COMMUNICATION
A letter had been received clarifying some details regarding one site submission.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Steering Group will be on Tuesday 10th January 2023 at the same venue.