Agenda item

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report and explained that the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) would be undertaken alongside the Local Plan. The SA was required under Section 19 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, with its role to promote sustainable development by assessing sustainability across environmental, social and economic factors. The SEA process was separate and focussed on environmental impacts.

The report outlined how baseline data, relevant policies and future trends would be analysed to create a framework, which would be used to test plan options and identify mitigation measures. The process would be informed by consultation, including statutory bodies and the public and would support the development, refinement and monitoring of the Local Plan.

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

In response to a question on the consultation process, detailed in recommendation C, Members heard that the consultation would run between 11 June and 10 July 2026 and would be delivered through a range of channels including the Council’s website, social media, press releases and an online consultation portal. It was noted that a dedicated briefing session had been arranged with town and parish councils at the start of the consultation period. This session was intended to explain the scope of the consultation and enable local councils to share information within their communities. In addition, a newsletter would be circulated to subscribers and Members were encouraged to promote the consultation.

It was confirmed that residents could join the consultation mailing list via the email address published on the Council’s planning policy webpages, which were to be updated ahead of the consultation launch.

Members highlighted concerns about the quality and environmental impact of development, including the loss of green space and biodiversity. It was confirmed that such matters would be considered through the evidence base, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the preparation of a District Design Code. This code was expected to address design quality and environmental considerations and was anticipated to be delivered ahead of the Local Plan. It was further noted that there may be opportunities to introduce locally specific planning policies, subject to evidential support and examination, including measures relating to landscaping and the protection of green space.

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) Subject to the publication of the ‘Notice to Commence Local Plan Preparation and the Local Plan Timetable’, the content of the SA/SEA Scoping document (Appendix A) is approved;

(B) That the SA/SEA Scoping document be formally consulted upon with the Environment Agency (EA), Historic England (HE) and Natural England (NE) in accordance with statutory requirements;

(C) Subject to the approval of the ‘Local Plan Scoping Consultation’, the SA/SEA Scoping document will be made available alongside the Local Plan Scoping Consultation, and will include a period of activity between 11 June 2026 and 10 July 2026 through a range of different forums, including online on the Council’s website; and

(D) Any minor amendments required to the content of the SA/SEA Scoping document prior to the consultation period be delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.