Purpose

As set out in the attached report - following Cabinet agreement to proceed with a New Local Plan under the new plan making regulations, a Scoping Consultation (under Reg. 20) is to be carried out between 11 September and 2 October 2026.

Decision

To run a scoping consultation in accordance with Regulation 20 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 from 12:00 Friday 11 September 2026, running for three weeks, until 17:00 Friday 2 October 2026.
To run a call for sites, starting at 12:00 Friday 11 September 2026, running for six weeks until 17:00 Friday 23 October 2026.

Alternative options considered

1. Do nothing/delay consultation.
This option is not recommended by officers as the Council is expected through the 2026 Regulations to undertake a Scoping Consultation ahead of its obligation to pass through Gateway 1 on or before 31 October 2026. The outcome of doing nothing would be contrary to the new plan making regulations.

2.Undertake a more thorough, detailed consultation.
This option is not recommended by officers due to resource available. Including more detail on matters such as a vision, or the preparation of spatial options risks conflicting with key matters of the Dacorum Local Plan to 2041, currently at examination and outstanding objections which are yet to be resolved. This is also not required for this stage.