Purpose

Bath and North East Somerset council prepares and publishes a Local Development Scheme (LDS). The LDS sets out the timeline and programme for the preparation of the Council’s planning policy framework. It serves as a public timetable, ensuring transparency assisting those who want to engage in the process of plan preparation. The LDS needs to be kept up to date and this report outlines necessary updates for approval.

Decision

The Cabinet Member agrees that

a)  The updated Local Development Scheme is approved for publication on the council’s website subject to the minor amendment shown below:

Para 2.12 in attachment 1 on Neighbourhood Plans should be amended to read as follows:

1. 
   13 The current position on Neighbourhood Plans (NPs) within Bath and North East Somerset Council is summarised below:

? Chew Valley, Claverton, Clutton, Englishcombe, Freshford & Limpley Stoke, High Littleton & Hallatrow, Publow & Pensford, Stanton Drew, Stowey Sutton, Westfield and Whitchurch NPs have been ‘made’ (adopted) and form part of the Development Plan.

? Radstock and Farrington Gurney are preparing Neighbourhood Plans and are at Regulation 14 stage or at a more advanced stage.

? Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, Keynsham, Paulton, Timsbury and Midsomer Norton are designated Neighbourhood Planning Areas and are at early stages of plan preparation (e.g. evidence gathering or initial policy development).

Reasons for the decision

The council is required to prepare a Local Development Scheme (LDS) and keep it up to date. The LDS publicly sets out the timeline and programme for preparation of the council’s planning policy framework, including the Local Plan.

Alternative options considered

As preparing, publishing and maintaining an up to date LDS is a legal requirement no other options were considered.