Agenda item

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the report and explained that following the publication of the Local Plan timetable, the scoping consultation represented the third stage of the plan-making process and would be undertaken in accordance with Government regulations.

The report sought agreement to the consultation document, engagement approach and its distribution, with the consultation forming part of the four?month preparatory period prior to the formal 30?month plan timetable. It was noted that the consultation would run for four weeks from 11 June to 10 July 2026, exceeding the minimum requirement and would enable early, high?level engagement with statutory bodies, stakeholders and residents.

Members were advised that responses would focus on key strategic issues, including plan content and methods of engagement, with the consultation document structured around concise questions to encourage focused feedback. It was further noted that the outcomes would inform subsequent stages of plan preparation, with a further report to be brought forward ahead of the next phase of engagement in 2027.

Councillor Glover-Ward, the Executive Member for Planning and Growth, proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. Councillor Copley seconded the proposal.

Members discussed the need to maximise awareness and participation in the scoping consultation, particularly among residents without digital access and emphasised that communication should extend beyond online channels.

It was suggested that town and parish councils be formally engaged to support wider communication, and Members highlighted their own role in promoting the consultation within their wards and communities. In response, it was confirmed that a briefing for town and parish councils had been arranged and that councillors were requested to act as community ambassadors, supported by existing communications activity.

Concerns were raised that the proposed four?week consultation period, during a busy time of year, may limit engagement and that a longer duration could provide greater opportunity for residents and local councils to participate. It was noted that previous consultations in the district had achieved comparatively strong response rates and that whilst the consultation period was constrained by timetable requirements, further opportunities for engagement would follow as the plan progressed, particularly at more detailed stages.

The motion to support the recommendation, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED. It was noted that Councillor Hart abstained from the vote.

RESOLVED – that (A) Subject to the publication of the Notice to Commence Local Plan Preparation and the Local Plan Timetable, the East Herts Local Plan – Scoping Consultation document (Appendix A) is made available to relevant stakeholders and the wider community to begin a discussion about the

district’s new Local Plan, and to seek comments in accord with the Regulations;

(B) Engagement on the Scoping Consultation document should commence, taking place between June 11 and July 10 2026, through a range of different forums, including online on the Council’s website; and

(C) Any minor amendments required to the content of the Scoping Consultation document prior to the consultation period be delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth; and

(D) A further report detailing any feedback is prepared for Executive following engagement, with the intention of informing the Local Plan content and evidence stages of the plan-making process.