Decision details

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report and highlighted the Council’s statutory duty to maintain an up-to-date Local Plan and the introduction of a new Government plan-making system, including a 30?month timetable and gateway assessments.

It was reported that this marked the initial stage, requiring publication of a Local Plan timetable and Notice of Intention. Approval was sought for both, with the timetable setting out key stages and the notice formally commencing the process and advising how stakeholders could engage.

Executive Members noted that the report should be read alongside the forthcoming scoping consultation report, outlining early engagement. It was further noted that, despite uncertainty regarding Local Government Reorganisation, work on the Local Plan would continue to ensure an up-to-date and robust planning framework remained in place.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods seconded the proposal.

Members noted that the proposed timetable reflected a significant and intensive programme of work required to progress the new Local Plan and acknowledged the considerable effort already undertaken by officers in preparing the evidence base. Appreciation was expressed to officers and councillors for their ongoing work and commitment.

It was emphasised that councillors should actively engage residents and community groups to ensure wider understanding of the plan and its implications.

In response to a question, it was advised that Neighbourhood Plans would continue to form part of the development framework. However, it was noted that the Council would need to determine their future role, including whether communities would be expected to prepare or update plans going forward.

In response to concerns regarding the ‘call for sites’, it was confirmed that decisions on site selection would not be made for some time and that further evidence would be presented to the appropriate committees later in the year.

Regarding resourcing, Executive Members were informed that whilst there were recruitment challenges in parts of the planning service, the policy team responsible for the Local Plan was currently fully staffed. It was noted that the timetable had been set nationally and must be adhered to, with appropriate use of resources, reserves and government grant funding to support delivery.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOVLED – that Executive recommended to Council

That (A) the East Herts Local Plan Timetable, attached at Appendix A, be approved for publication; and
 

(B)   The Notice of Intention to Commence the East Herts Local Plan, attached at Appendix B, be published on the Council’s website.