Decision details

RESOLVED: 

1.     that the Local Plan Issues and Scope document be approved for public consultation, attached at Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report; and

2.     that any final editorial changes to the document prior to publication for consultation be agreed by the Strategic Director of Place, Operations and Sustainability in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy

KEY DECISION: 

Yes

PORTFOLIO: 

Planning and Economy

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED: 

As set out in the report. 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: 

None 

DISCUSSION: 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy introduced the report which set out the progress on the Local Plan Review ahead of the first stage of public consultation with the issues and scope document.  The importance of having an up to date Local Plan was highlighted.  The Government had given a strong directive emphasising that Council’s should have up to date Local Plans and any reviews should continue and not be delayed in light of any devolution or Local Government Reorganisation.  

Extensive consultation had taken place with officers and an elected member group which had led to the broad range of issues, set out in the issues and scope document.  It was proposed that following approval, consultation would commence in mid February and be widely publicised inviting as much engagement as possible.  The planning policy team would host drop in sessions across the district to give people the opportunity to express their views.  A list of locations would be published in due course.  There would also be engagement with local town and parish councils and key stakeholders.  Specialist engagement tools would be used for the consultation and the Portfolio Holder recommended that people respond to the consultation to help shape the future of the District.

Non-Cabinet members spoke in support of the report.  The intention for a comprehensive engagement exercise, in particular involving the local towns and parish councils was welcomed.  The Leader reiterated the importance of the consultation and invited members to publicise this in their local area and to encourage people to respond in order to achieve the best outcomes for the local community.

Non-Cabinet members also highlighted that the Member Task and Finish Group had considered the proposed consultation questions within the document very carefully, reviewing the wording to remove any planning related jargon wherever possible, to make the questions easier to understand.   It was also acknowledged that respondents did not need to provide a response to every question within the consultation document.  The hard work of officers in the production of the document was commended.