Decision details

The committee considered the report which sought approval of an updated Local Development Scheme which sets out proposed next steps to support the preparation of the new Local Plan.

The Committee welcomed the report and noted that there were various versions of the plan however the update was provided to ensure that the dates will align correctly in the plan and to give a wider information on what was happening nationally and how that would impact the Local Authority in the months ahead. It was noted that there will be regular to the Committee and updates on the website with the Local Plan timetable.

The Committee queried whether there was a process for suggesting development sites and it was noted that the Council was not currently in an active plan making phase however through the plan making phase there would be an opportunity to submit potential sites.

The Committee asked for clarification on whether the brownfield register is up to date and it was confirmed that it is constantly reviewed and updated and Members will be kept informed on the housing monitoring update which is due to be published in the near future. The Committee were pleased to note aligning of the mineral plan with the local plan. Officers were encouraged to engage young people in the plan and to make them aware that the decisions that are being made currently will be those that impact their futures. 

Officers committed to articulating the definition of sites such as ‘brownfield’ within the plan.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee:

1. Agree that the update to the Local Development Scheme, appended to this report (Appendix 2) is published on the Councils’ web site; and  

2. Agree that the Issues Consultation Report of Consultation is also published on the Councils’ website