Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Planning Policy seeking approval of a revision to the timetable associated with the Local Development Scheme (LDS). 

Purpose of report

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Planning Policy seeking approval of a revision to the timetable associated with the Local Development Scheme.

Decision

That Cabinet approves the proposals for the revised Local Development Scheme 2022-2025.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The alternative of not reviewing the Local Development Scheme had been discounted, as 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 recommendation was to ensure that the Council was providing an up-to-date position and an accurate timeline for the production of the Local Development Scheme. This way the Council would be acting in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

It was important to establish and maintain a robust timetable for the Local Plan review. 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.

The Council had a legal duty to ensure the Local Development Scheme was kept up to date. As the current Scheme was out of date, it was necessary to update it to reflect the changes. This was important because the local community, and others with an interest in the district, needed to be aware of the timetable.

Several factors had contributed to the published Local Plan timetable becoming out of date. It was worth noting that several Local Authorities had delayed their local plans pending the publication of new legislation.

More recently, there had been a delay in the consultants working on some of the evidence base, pending the publication of the most recent census data in July 2022. Work could have progressed using the previous evidence base, however that would have potentially resulted in abortive work or evidence that was already out of date.

Following the adoption of the South Kesteven Local Plan in January 2020, the Council embarked on a Local Plan review which addressed South Kesteven’s development need until 2041. This review was originally due to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by December 2023; however, submission was now expected by March 2024. There were risks associated with this delay, but they were considered minor.

The Council was obligated to keep the Local Development Scheme up to date; the Council had reviewed the Scheme to make sure that the new Local Plan was realistic.

Public consultation on the draft South Kesteven Local Plan was expected to commence in early 2023.

Following publication of the Scheme, the Council would notify the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. All Town and Parish Councils would also be notified.

The following points were noted during discussion:

·         The following pieces of work, key to the Local Plan, had been delayed for a variety of reasons:

o   The Village Services and Facilities audit was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic;

o   Gypsy and traveller assessment – delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic;

o   The Local Housing Needs assessment had been delayed as the release of census data was awaited.

·         There had been a high level of consultation response; this had also contributed to the delay, as had uncertainty over the Levelling Up Bill amongst government.