Issue - meetings

To receive a report seeking approval of the Statement of Community Involvement and endorsing it for public engagement commencing in February 2023.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson.

The Cabinet has approved the contents of the Statement of Community Involvement 2023 and agreed that the Statement of Community Involvement be published for public consultation commencing in February 2023 and running for a period of 6 weeks.

The Cabinet received and noted a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) setting out the purpose and content of the Statement of Community Involvement and seeking the Cabinet’s approval of its content and agreement for public engagement commencing in February 2023.

By way of background, the Executive Councillor for Planning set out the legislative background to the Statement of Community Involvement required by Section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Cabinet’s attention was drawn to paragraph 4.1 of the report which outlined planning matters that would be covered within the Statement.

In drawing attention to the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) and in noting the Council’s intention to consult with as many residents, groups, businesses and communities beyond the statutory list of consultees, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

a)  to approve the contents of the Statement of Community Involvement 2023; and

b)  to agree that the Statement of Community Involvement be published for public consultation commencing in February 2023 and running for a period of 6 weeks.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Statement of Community Involvement Report.

By means of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which was appended within the Minute Book), the Statement of Community Involvement Report was presented to the Panel

Councillor Harvey enquired whether any consideration would be given to extending the deadlines given that this had been done to accommodate the St Ives Masterplan. The Panel heard that whilst deadlines would be firm, communication would be ongoing with local Councils. It was also highlighted that these consultations go above the Council’s obligations as the Council is not legally required to consult on this Statement.

Following a further question on parish communications from Councillor Cawley, the Panel heard that the team were grateful for Member’s support in getting the message to parishes and that a relevant briefing would be shared in due course.

Councillor Gray observed that whilst the Plan was fairly future proof, it was important to engage with residents throughout the process.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

that Cabinet be encouraged to endorse the recommendations within the report.