Issue - meetings

To seek approval to a revision to the timetable associated with the Local Development Scheme (LDS). 

Purpose of report

This report sought approval to revise the timetable associated with the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

Decision

That Cabinet approves the proposals for the revised Local Development Scheme 2023 - 2026, as attached at Appendix A of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The alternative of not reviewing the Local Development Scheme was discounted. Failing to keep the Local Development Scheme up to date would contravene the statutory requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Planning Act 2004 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) and Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 12.

Reasons for decision

The reason for the decision was to ensure the Council was providing an up-to- date position and an accurate timeline for the production of development plan documents. This would ensure the Council was acting in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended). Maintaining an up to date Local Development Scheme would ensure a transparent process. This was important because the local community and others with an interest in the district would be kept aware of development plan production and stages of consultation.

Supporting the continuity of the planning function in South Kesteven would aid the recovery of the local economy and the economic resilience of the District by providing greater certainty and confidence for future investment and development.

In December 2022 the government published a consultation on amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A new framework was awaited, which would have implications for the Local Plan. Changes were proposed to the timetable of the Local Plan to consider the implications of delaying the consultation on the draft Local Plan, resulting in an overall delay of nine months. This enabled the Council to prepare a Local Plan that was in accordance with National Policy. Consultation on the Draft Local Plan was now expected in Winter 2023.

All key stakeholders, including District Councillors, and Town and Parish Councils would be notified of the revised timetable.

The following points were raised during debate:

·       Many other Councils have put a hold on their Local Plan, therefore this approach was one of common sense.

·       The report identified a number of risks which could affect the work programme and timetable, that could be addressed through robust planning. These risks included:

o   Changes in legislation or the National Planning Policy

o   Higher than expected response to consultation

o   Covid-19 restrictions or similar

o   Planning Inspectorate unable to meet the timetable

o   Failure to comply with Duty to Cooperate

o   Plan being found unsound

o   Legal challenge to the Local Plan

o   Reduced number of officers and knowledge within the team because of staff illness/turnover

o   Financial resources

o   Failure of external consultants

·       Officers involved in compiling the report were praised for the quality of the risk assessments contained within the report.

·       It was confirmed that there was no risk of the Council breaching any statutory obligations as a result of this decision.

·       There was no intention to indefinitely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6