Decision

Resolved to:

·       Approve the establishment of a partnership with the Berkshire unitary councils, Oxfordshire councils and Swindon Borough Council to develop a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area.

·       Approve the proposed funding and resource allocations for the pre-inception programme, including agreement that Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for funds received/held on behalf of the partnership and will host any staff appointed for the Thames Valley SDS programme.

·       Agree the interim governance, monitoring and assurance arrangements set out in this report, including arrangements for the period before a statutory Strategic Planning Board/Spatial Planning Board (SPB) is established through secondary legislation.

·       Agree to the working arrangements for development of the SDS.

·       Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing to enter into the inter-authority agreement to establish the Partnership.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·     a delay in implementing the decision could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.