Purpose

Approve the proposed funding and resource allocations for the pre-inception programme,
Accountable Body and Host authority arrangements for the SDS (Currently proposed to be BFC)
Agree the interim governance, monitoring and assurance arrangements set out in this paper, including arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board/Spatial Planning Board is established through secondary legislation.
To agree to the working arrangements for development of the SDS

Decision

RESOLVED That the Cabinet:

·       Approve the establishment of a partnership with the councils covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon to develop a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area.

·       Note the draft indicative funding and resource allocations for the pre-inception programme.

·       Approves Bracknell Forest Council acting as the accountable body for funds received/held on behalf of the partnership and will host any staff appointed for the Thames Valley SDS programme.

·       Note the interim governance and oversight, monitoring and assurance arrangements set out in this paper, including arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board (SPB) is established through secondary legislation.

·       To agree to the working arrangements for development of the SDS

Reasons for the decision

To enable work on the Spatial Development Strategy to progress through its pre inception/readiness phase so work can commence on the formal SDS early in 2027.

Alternative options considered

The preparation of a SDS is a statutory duty.  The need to plan at a regional scale is set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.  The alternative is to not progress the work on this strategy.  This is not recommended.