Issue - meetings

To receive a report setting out the purpose and content of the proposed replacement Local Development Scheme relating to the preparation of the Local Plan update.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the contents of the Local Development Scheme February 2025 with a view to bringing it into immediate effect following the meeting and the call-in period; and

(b)  delegated further revisions of the Local Development Scheme for this Local Plan Update to the Chief Planning Officer in conjunction with the Executive Councillor for Planning.

Due to an imminent decision being required, an item of business was considered under the General Exception Provisions - Section 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council’s Constitution.

A report by the Chief Planning Officer was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) setting out the purpose and content of the proposed replacement Local Development Scheme relating to preparation of the Local Plan update.

The Vice-Chair, as Executive Councillor for Planning advised that the report had been triggered by intended Government changes to the plan-making process and was the Government’s response to the “proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system”. All local planning authorities had therefore been requested to submit their updated Local Development Schemes to the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government no later than 6th March 2025.

In discussing the importance of communications on this matter as well as the additional risk to the Council of potential increases in planning consultancy fees, the Cabinet were informed by the Corporate Director – Finance and Resources that the latter would be dealt with as an in-year variance and, if necessary, would be included in the budget going forward.

Whereupon, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

(a)  to approve the contents of the Local Development Scheme February 2025 and bring it into immediate effect following the Cabinet’s meeting and the call-in period; and

(b)  to delegate further revisions of the Local Development Scheme for the Local Plan Update to the Chief Planning Officer in conjunction with the Executive Councillor for Planning.

The meeting concluded at 8:19pm.