Decision details

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to formally commence preparation of the Cheshire East Local Plan under the Government’s new plan-making system. It was noted that the Council had a statutory duty to produce a Local Plan, and that recent legislative changes now enabled the process to begin.

Councillor S Gardiner spoke as a visiting Member and raised concerns regarding the timing of the consultation, noting it coincided with the school summer holidays and suggested a delay to improve engagement and perception. He also queried whether the proposed timetable, particularly the planned consultation in July 2027, was realistic in light of the local elections.

In response, the Deputy Leader acknowledged the timing of the consultation but advised that the schedule had been designed to maintain overall programme momentum and meet key statutory milestones, with mitigations in place to maximise engagement throughout the period. Whilst a later start could be considered, this would delay the wider process. In relation to the local elections, the timetable had been planned with this in mind, and officers remained confident that the proposed timescales were achievable, with the programme kept under review and adjusted as necessary.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Cabinet

1. Approve the Cheshire East Local Plan timetable (appendix 2) for publication.

2. Publish the Notice of Intention to Commence the Cheshire East Local Plan (appendix 1).