Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommmend Forward to Council

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Decision   RESOLVED that Cabinet recommend to Council:   (1) That the Local Plan continues to progress towards a Regulation 18 and Regulation 19 consultation prior to submission (Regulation 22) by the end of 2026; (2) Approves the approach to funding set out in Section 6 of the report.   Reasons for decision   On the 26th March 2025 a report titled ‘Local Plan Update: Regeneration for Growth’ was agreed by Council. This report sought approval for a regeneration-led approach to the Local Plan and commensurate funding requirement to support the approach. This report set out a mechanism to review progress after one year in order to continue with the Local Plan programme into the forthcoming years.   Alternative Options Considered   The Cabinet could have decided not to progress with work on the Local Plan beyond the current gateway. This would mean that the Local Plan would not be submitted under the existing plan-making system and would need to be progressed under the, as yet unconfirmed, new planning system. Such an approach would be subject to its own significant risks. This alternative option would also mean that the existing local planning policy vacuum would continue, and the borough would be subject, as it has been already, to speculative development where decisions will need to be taken in accordance with national policy. Further risks are also identified in paragraphs 5.20 to 5.23 of the report.