Decision

1. 1.     Approve the proposed SDS timetable as set out in the body of this report, and authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to submit the timetable in the prescribed format to the Secretary of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government once the secondary legislation and statutory regulations have been made.
2. 2.     Approve that the North East SDS covers the period up to 2055.
3. 3.     Note progress on the development of the SDS since it was last reported to Cabinet in July 2025, including ongoing work to develop a spatial vision for the region.
4. 4.     Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Place to take all necessary steps to progress the preparation of the SDS including statutory consultation and engagement. This delegated authority relates to programme management, consultation and preparatory work associated with the SDS. Any substantive strategic policy choices, growth distribution options and SDS content will remain subject to future Cabinet consideration; as set out in the proposed timetable.
5. 5.     Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for A North East We are Proud to Call Home Advisory Board, to publish evidence studies and assessments that are relevant to the SDS.
6. 6.     Approve the launch of a North East SDS online engagement portal following the publication of the necessary secondary legislation.