Agenda item

To receive the report of the Planning Manager

The Planning Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to resolve the appropriate way forward with the update of the development plan (the Local Plan).

An update to the report was given by the Planning Manager.   Members were informed that a detailed and comprehensive report, which included a series of options, had been considered by the Joint Planning Policy Committee on 27 January 2023. The Committee approved a recommendation to move to a partial review.

Councillor James expressed his concerns regarding the recommendation of a partial review.  He stated that there is no clear guide as to what will be included and there are a lot of matters in the policy you cannot do under a partial review, including looking at the Rural Strategy. The Authority has been advised that as part of the levelling up document there will be more additional planning guidance and, in the Autumn, the Environmental Bill is expected which will give more clarity about biodiversity.

Councillor James recommended not carrying out a full review at present, but to go back and ask the Joint Planning Policy Committee at the next meeting what exactly they will be looking at under a partial review. 

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Hicks and –

Resolved:

That a decision be deferred until a response is received from the Joint Planning Policy Committee and to be brought back to the April Full Council meeting with full recommendations on the way forward. 

(Vote:  For 27, Against 3)