The Council formally adopted the Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan, a decade-long project that received overwhelming support in a recent referendum. In addition, the Council reviewed and adopted revisions to its policy on licensing Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs).

Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan Adopted

Cheltenham Borough Council formally adopted the Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan¹ following a successful referendum. The plan, which has been in development for over ten years, received 3,005 votes in favour and 464 against, with a turnout of 51.6%. Councillor Paul Baker, Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, presented the report, highlighting the plan's focus on green infrastructure, local heritage, walking and cycling routes, local facilities, and flood resilience. The adoption of the plan means it will now form part of Cheltenham Borough Council's statutory Development Plan, influencing future planning decisions in the Leckhampton and Warden Hill area. Councillor Baker also noted that the Parish Council's share of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)² revenue will increase from 15% to 25% as a result of the plan's adoption.

Revisions to Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licensing Policy Adopted

The Council also adopted revisions to its policy on licensing Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs). The revised policy follows extensive consultation and aims to provide a clear framework for regulating SEVs within the borough. Key changes include updated standard conditions for SEVs, amendments to the Designated Permitted Area (DPA), and revised guidance on discretionary grounds for refusal.

During the debate, Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic and reiterated the council's commitment to public safety and protection. She also mentioned the government's commitment to reviewing the SEV licensing regime as part of its strategy to build a safer society for women and girls.

Several amendments were proposed and debated, including:

• Designated Permitted Area (DPA): While some consultees argued for a nil cap on SEVs, the Council decided not to change the existing relevant localities, maintaining a nil limit outside the town centre's DPA. The DPA itself was not expanded, despite proposals to align it with the Purple Flag area.
• Standard Conditions: Several standard conditions were amended for clarity and practicality. These included changes to advertising rules, definitions of nudity, and requirements for performer facilities.
• Acquired Rights Policy: The proposal to adopt an Acquired Rights policy, which would create a presumption in favour of renewal for existing SEVs if there were no material change in the area's character, was not adopted due to strong consultation feedback against it.
• Plans accompanying applications: Requirements for plans were strengthened to ensure clarity and legibility.
• Designated Person in Charge: A new requirement for applicants to identify a designated person in charge of day-to-day management was adopted.
• Factors for consideration - Discretionary grounds (a) and (b): Additional guidance was supplemented to assist in determining applications, focusing on applicant suitability and management.

The Council voted unanimously to adopt the revised SEV licensing policy.