The report was moved by Councillor Whelton and formally seconded by Councillor Stringer. Councillor Quilliam then spoke to second the report.

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the report recommendations was moved by Councillor McGrath and seconded by Councillor Fairclough.

Councillors Crowe and Dean also spoke on the item.

The Liberal Democrat amendment was supported by those speaking and therefore a vote was taken on the substantive report (as amended) and was carried. Votes in favour: 20, against: 8, abstentions: 1.  

An indicative online poll was taken of members attending remotely the result of which was votes for: 24, 6 against, 0 abstentions.

RESOLVED:

That, following consideration by Cabinet and the Borough Plan Advisory Committee, Council resolved to:

A. submit Merton’s Local Plan and Policies Map to the Secretary of State for independent examination. This would be preceded by a statutory six-week consultation period between July and September 2021.

B. Agreed the timetable for production set out in section 5 of this report, which will amend Merton’s Local Development Scheme.

C. delegated authority to the Director of Environment and Regeneration, Chris Lee, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and the Climate Emergency Councillor Martin Whelton for changes to the documents between 23rd June 2021 and the receipt of the Planning Inspector’s final report:

       (i) to approve alterations to the plans for submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination and as necessary throughout the examination process arising from matters including responses to pre-submission public consultation, national or regional policy changes, additional relevant evidence and matters arising from the independent examination.

        (ii) to consider and approve officers’ response to comments received at the pre-submission public consultation, and associated alterations to the plans for their submission to the Planning Inspector via the Secretary of State

-       That within the Local Plan: RAYNES PARK: POLICY N3.4(M) should be amended to read: "Ensuring new homes are of a high design quality and support housing choice by requiring development to comply with the most appropriate minimum space standards (particularly in the case of dwelling conversions), and that all development respects local character, heritage and amenity in surrounding residential neighbourhoods."