Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 17, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED to:   i.                     Note the content and scope of the Inspectors’ Final Report dated 16 January, including the Main Modifications (appendix to the Inspectors’ Report). ii.                   Recommend that Council adopts and formally publishes the Uttlesford Local Plan (2021-2041), as amended by the main modifications set out in the Inspectors’ Final Report. iii.                  Recommend that Council publishes an Adoption Statement along with the Local Plan, in accordance with regulations 26 and 35 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. iv.                 That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, to make any final minor amendments to the Local Plan, in order to correct any grammatical, or formatting corrections, identified prior to publishing. v.                   Express the Council’s thanks to the Inspectors, and the Examination Programme Officer for their positive approach throughout the examination process. 

Reasons for the decision:  The Council, as the local planning authority, has a statutory duty to maintain an up-to-date local plan. The current, adopted plan dates from 2005 and is considered out of date. Once adopted, the new Uttlesford Local Plan will become the Council’s statutory planning document setting out how new development will be planned and managed in the district. It will provide the legal and policy framework for deciding planning applications. As such, the local plan is one of the Council’s most important and influential documents.

Alternative options considered: None.