Purpose

This report outlines the government’s recent local plan reforms and asks Cabinet to approve an updated timetable for the preparation of the council’s new local plan. Delegated authority is sought to publish key documents that will enable the council to begin early stages of the new local plan for the district, now that regulations to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act have been published.

Decision

DECISION:

1. 1.          To receive and note report C/26/06.
2. 2.          To approve the receipt of Local Plan Implementation Funding to support the council’s local plan process.
3. 3.          To approve the 2026 Local Plan Timetable included in Appendix 1 for publication and submission to MHCLG as necessary.
4. 4.          To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to update the 2026 Local Plan Timetable on a monthly or more frequent basis and publish and submit the updates throughout the preparation of the local plan.
5. 5.          To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to publish the council’s notice of intention to begin plan-making.
6. 6.          To delegate authority to undertake the ‘scoping stage’ consultation to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Otterpool Park and Planning Policy.
7. 7.          To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to publish the Gateway 1 self-assessment, and any other necessary supporting evidence, and submit to MHCLG as necessary.
8. 8.          To note that Cabinet approval will be sought for the statutory consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence.
9. 9.          To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to approve, publish and submit the gateway 2 assessment materials and publish the appointed person’s advice.
10. 10.      To note that Cabinet approval will be sought for the statutory consultation on the proposed local plan.
11. 11.      To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Otterpool Park and Planning Policy, to approve any changes to the local plan following comments received during the statutory consultations at the proposed local plan content and evidence and proposed local plan stages.
12. 12.      To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to approve, publish and submit the gateway 3 assessment materials and publish the appointed person’s advice.
13. 13.      To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control to submit the local plan to the Secretary of State for examination once gateway 3 is successfully completed.
14. 14.      To delegate authority to the Chief Officer Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Otterpool Park and Planning Policy, to make any necessary main modifications to the local plan and to consult on the main modifications.

Reasons for decision:

To meet the requirements of the new plan-making system for local plans prepared under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and to comply with new plan-making regulations.