Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 22, 2026

Purpose: This report concerns revisions to the Council’s Local Plan and planning policy work programme (known as the Local Development Scheme).   There is a legal requirement to have a Local Development Scheme. The current LDS needs to be updated, to reflect changes in circumstances affecting Local Plan progression.   This report sets out proposed changes to the work programme for updating the adopted Local Plan, and other Local Plan-related documents.

Content: Cabinet agreed the proposals for the revised Local Development Scheme.

Reasons for the decision: The reasons for the recommendation are as follows:   ·  To provide a suitable basis for resource and budget planning for the Plan-making process; ·  To provide a clear Local Plan timetable for officers, members, interested groups and individuals, and other statutory bodies; and ·  To meet the Council’s statutory duties under section 15 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Alternative options considered: The options for the LDS are as follows:   1.  To agree the LDS for publication as recommended in this report; 2.  To agree amendments to the proposals recommended in this report; or 3.  To not agree a new LDS.   Option 1 is recommended - this responds to the statutory requirements, and sets out a realistic timeline for establishing a strong district-wide planning strategy. Option 2 allows for a potential variation to the work programme, but this would need to be justified by way of specific circumstances or evidence.   Option 3 is not recommended, because it would not meet the Council’s statutory duties, nor provide a sound basis for moving forward the preparation of a new Local Plan, and may render the Council open to intervention by the Secretary of State.