Purpose

To consider key elements needed for the preparation of the Local Plan.

Decision

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet give delegated authority to the Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet to undertake the necessary activities to:

(i)         Issue the Notice to Commence plan making;

(ii)       Publish the timetable and Project Initiation Document, and update as required.

(iii)      Publish a scoping consultation exercise for a period of 6 weeks.

(iv)      Progress the Local Plan through the Gateway stages.

(b)           Cabinet agreed the Terms of Reference of the Local Plan Working Group subject to the inclusion to allow the possibility for substitute members provided that group leaders or their nominated representative notify of the change at least 72 hours in advance of a meeting and provided that the substitute attend a briefing with relevant officers prior to the meeting:

(c)          further clarification be provided on the stakeholders who will be engaged with, beyond the statutory consultees and that Ward members be encouraged to provide the details to officers of any organisations that they feel should be engaged with as stakeholders; and

(d)           a risk concerning the wider potential implications of devolution and local government reorganisation, e.g. changing consultees, be added to the risk register included within the Project Initiation Document

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To agree the governance arrangements and enable work to formally commence on preparing a new Local Plan within the reformed 30-month plan making system.