Issue - meetings

To consider the Governments Proposals for National Planning Reform. Report by the Senior Planning Policy Officers (NDC and TDC) (attached).

Prior to the presentation of the reports, the Chair thanked Officers for two really good reports, and to note the second report was thorough in respect of evaluating the range of options available to Members in respect of undertaking a review of the Local Plan.

The purpose of the first report, presented by the Planning Manager (TDC) was to bring to Members attention ongoing Government consultation on national planning policy reforms and to secure engagement with the Joint Planning Policy Committee to formulate a joint response.

The Planning Manager (TDC) gave a detailed and informative slide presentation, highlighting the salient points provided by the report. 

The Planning Manager (TDC) reported on the Consultation exercise – published on 22 December 2022, which requires responses to be provided by 2^nd March 2023.   It seeks a response to 58 specific questions, examples of which were provided. 

Members were advised of the importance of understanding the Consultation in the wider context of changes that could be brought forward through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Looking specifically at the elements –

Firstly, the Consultation is seeking views on specific changes to national planning policy to be introduced in Spring 2023.   Members were referred to item 4.4 on the agenda, which at a) – h) summarised key components of the proposed short-term changes. 

Secondly, Members were advised of a series of wider and longer-term proposals to be taken forward in association with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.  These are proposed to be implemented by the end of 2024.

The Planning Manager (TDC) provided advice on the potential consequences of the proposed changes to national planning policy on plan making and decision taking across both Councils.    The importance of the Joint Planning Policy Committee in contributing to the consultation response was highlighted.

The Planning Manager (TDC) read out the recommendation as set out in the report –

“Arrangements be made for Members of the Joint Planning Policy Committee to meet to explore the Government’s national planning reform proposals and to inform a formal response from the Councils to the Government’s associated consultation”.

The Chair inquired as to whether Members would want a face to face or virtual meeting. It was agreed to hold a face to face meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Clarke and agreed –

That arrangements be made for Members of the Joint Planning Policy Committee to meet to explore the Government’s national planning reform proposals and to inform a formal response from the Councils to the Government’s associated consultation.

The Chair suggested that a date for discussion for the Councils joint response to the Government’s consultation be arranged outside of the meeting, recommending a date during the week beginning 20 February.

The Planning Manager (TDC) advised that prior to the proposed meeting, Members would be provided with relevant information to enable discussion of the Councils consultation response.