Purpose

Added 11 August 2026

Decision

That Cabinet:

1)     APPROVED a maximum draw down of £200k from the Corporate Priorities Reserve to invest in the next phase of the Planning Service Improvement Programme, focused on the appointment of a Planning Improvement Lead and supporting the Planning Enforcement function, subject to final confirmation of the detailed financial, procurement and HR implications.

2)     DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) and Director for Place and Prosperity, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to determine the scope, sequencing and implementation of expenditure within the approved £200k, limited to the Planning Improvement Lead and the strengthening and transition of Planning Enforcement, following appropriate consideration of financial, procurement and HR requirements.

3)     NOTED the intended decision record for the additional resources required to implement the Planning Service review, including validation, administration and Section 106 monitoring resources, Strategic Planning Advisor support and associated service review arrangements.

4)     NOTED the progress delivered through the Planning Productivity Plan and associated Planning Service Improvement Programme, including productivity improvements, reductions in work in progress, improved performance monitoring, stronger operational grip, strengthened stakeholder and Member engagement, early improvements within Planning Enforcement and constructive feedback received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

5)     NOTED the proposed review and transition of the Planning Enforcement function, including the intention to strengthen leadership, add appropriate capacity, stabilise workflow, reduce the current caseload and implement improved triage, case management and reporting arrangements through a phased, timely and financially sustainable process, subject to appropriate staff consultation and the relevant financial, procurement, HR and decision-making requirements.

6)     NOTED that proposed changes arising from the national scheme of delegation and any associated amendments to the Council’s Constitution are not an executive function and will be presented to Council following engagement with Planning Committee. 

7)     APPROVED the drawn down from the Local Plans Reserve, capped at no more than £60k, to enable the appointment of an experienced agency Local Plans Manager (or Principal Officer) for this financial year 2026/27.

8)     NOTED the Government’s recent announcement regarding the review of Local Government Reorganisation and the uncertainty this has created in relation to timescales for implementation. Accordingly, in approving these proposals, the Cabinet concurrently commits to reviewing ongoing affordability of this investment as part of its wider responsibilities regarding financial sustainability should the Council continue beyond April 2028.