Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the revised timetable for producing the new Local Plan, including a revision to the Local Development Scheme, previously approved by Cabinet and Council (Minutes C114(4)/Feb/20 and 62/Feb/20 refer respectively).

The submitted report stated that the production of a Local Development Scheme (LDS) was a statutory requirement; the LDS set out the planning policy documents that would be prepared over the next three years; following the production of the LDS the focus would be the production of the Local Plan itself; an up to date Local Plan was essential to meet the development needs of the Borough to enable the Council to shape and maintain control of development; the Local Plan was a framework for growth; the success of the Borough was predicted on growth and underpinned the future vibrancy of the town and local communities; the Plan covered the period 2016 to 2036; and that following its adoption the Local Plan’s policies and proposals would be monitored through an Implementation Plan to assess their effectiveness.

A Member addressed Cabinet in respect of the progress being made with the Local Plan, and made reference, in particular, to the Springfield Park Link Road and whether a decision had been made on its inclusion in the Plan; if there were any viable alternative access points to the road, should it go ahead; and if any capacity work had been undertaken on the roads in the area should the link road not be developed.  Reference was also made to the Local Plan and the implications of the Government’s White Paper on Planning, on the control of development.  The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio responded thereon.

RESOLVED - That the August 2020 Update of the Local Development Scheme 2020/23, as appended to the submitted report, be approved to take immediate effect.

REASONS - (a)  Local Planning Authorities must prepare a Local Plan that sets out the local planning policies for their local planning authority area.  Government guidance requires that Local Plans must be positively prepared, justified, effective and be consistent with national policy, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

(b)  The Council is required to have an up to date Local Development Scheme (Planning & Compulsory Act 2004, as amended by Section 111, Localism Act 2011).