Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director Economy and Public Protection

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced a report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director Economy and Public Protection to seek members approval to refer an updated versions of its Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) Part 1 (Local Plan) to Full Council for adoption.

The report explained that a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how Local Planning Authorities will involve local communities, businesses and key stakeholders in the preparation of the Local Plan and any future Development Plan Documents (DPD’s) or Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD’s).

The report stated that authorities are required to review their SCI’s at least every 5 years, the Darlington SCI – Part 1 was last reviewed in August 2020 with temporary updates made to reflect national COVID 19 pandemic restrictions.

It was explained that the update will remove these restrictions and allow some other minor updates to be consulted on prior to the statutory consultation periods on the Local Plan Review. The updated Design of New Development Supplementary (SPD) will also be prepared and consulted upon alongside the review of the Local Plan in line with the content on the updated SCI.

The report stated that Cabinet approved an updated draft of the SCI Part 1 for consultation on 8 April 2025, this consultation was held between 29 April 2025 and 30 May 2025. Six responses were received none of which raised significant concerns in relation to the content of the updated SCI Part 1.

RESOLVED - It is recommended that Cabinet agree that the Updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) Part 1 (Local Plan) be referred to Full Council for adoption.

REASON  - The recommendation is supported as the Council is required to have an up-to-date SCI as part of the plan review process.