24 Local Plan
The Panel will be provided with an update on the current progress and latest timetable.
Minutes:
During an update provided by the Cabinet Member for Planning (Cllr M Taylor), the importance of progressing the Local Plan and meeting the submission deadline set by the Government to avoid imposed plans was reinforced, with reference made to the uplifted housing need requirement from the Government placed on the Borough Council and the increased complexity created by the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation.
Members noted that in accordance with the approved Local Development Scheme, the second stage of the Regulation 18 consultation was expected to be undertaken before Christmas this year, with Regulation 19 consultation and submission to the Planning Inspectorate by the December 2026 deadline. Depending on the capacity of the Inspectorate, the examination in public could potentially occur in late 2027 or early 2028.
Finally, in order to ensure Town and Parish Councils were kept up-to-date on the key dates and developments regarding the Borough Council’s Local Plan process, it was agreed that the Cabinet Member for Planning would provide a concise written summary of key points to parishes following the next meeting of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee on 21 October 2025 and/or subsequent decision taken by Cabinet at its extraordinary meeting on 29 October 2025, both of which would focus on the second stage of the Regulation 18 Local Plan.