Purpose

The purpose of this report is to clarify and codify the schedule of delegation in relation to the preparation of a local plan. It is considered that these delegations already lie with the Director of Place. However, because of significant changes to the statutory plan-making process, it is considered that it would be beneficial to both officers and Members to clarify the level of delegated authority that exists at each stage of plan preparation.

Decision

The Leader of Council agreed the delegation schedule set out at Annex 1 to the decision report.

Reasons for the decision

The schedule provides clarity on the levels of delegation applied to the process of preparing a local plan under the new plan-making system, subject to The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option would be to rely on the current delegation arrangements. While this is possible, it is considered that greater clarity on this matter is beneficial to both officers and members in relation to the local plan process.