Purpose

Cabinet considered the preparation of the Rutland Local Plan 2021-2041 at its meeting in June 2026 (Report 20/2026) and delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Place to approve and publish the Scoping Consultation documents and supporting evidence. This decision gives effect to that resolution and seeks approval to publish the Scoping Consultation documents, enabling the Council to undertake the first stage of public consultation on the new Local Plan and gather views on the key issues, opportunities and challenges facing Rutland, together with the evidence that will inform the preparation of the new Local Plan.
The Local Plan Working Group has previously considered the proposed approach to the Scoping Consultation and supporting evidence base. The documents have subsequently been updated to reflect officer comments and further work undertaken since that meeting.
Approval is required to publish the Scoping Consultation documents and supporting appendices for public consultation in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Council's adopted Statement of Community Involvement.
The documents comprise:
• Scoping Report.
• Draft Consultation and Engagement Plan.
• Appendix 1: Evidence Base Review and Update Schedule.
• Appendix 2: Updated Spatial Portrait.
• Appendix 3: Draft National Planning Policy Framework Compliance Summary.
• Appendix 4: Government Standard Method Housing Need Calculation for Rutland.
• Appendix 5: Call for Sites Site List – Including link to map
• Appendix 6 : Draft Site Assessment Methodology.
The Consultation is proposed to start on Thursday 10th September and close on Wednesday 14th October.

Decision

To approve the publication of the Rutland Local Plan 2021-2041 Scoping Consultation documents and associated supporting appendices for public consultation for the reasons set out above.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Approve the Scoping Consultation documents and proceed with consultation.
Recommended option. This enables the Council to progress preparation of the new Local Plan and gather stakeholder feedback at an early stage of plan-making.

Option 2: Delay the consultation pending further evidence gathering.
Rejected as this would delay preparation of the Local Plan and the associated programme for plan production. The consultation is intended, in part, to identify issues and evidence requirements that should inform subsequent stages of plan preparation.

Option 3: Not undertake a Scoping Consultation.
Rejected as early engagement with communities, stakeholders and statutory consultees is an important part of preparing a sound Local Plan and would be inconsistent with the Council's engagement commitments and plan-making process.