Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICER

This report provides an update on progress following Cabinet’s resolution to proceed with a full review and update of the North Herts Local Plan (NHLP) in January 2024. It seeks the approval of an updated Local Development Scheme (LDS).

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the Local Development Scheme, attached at Appendix A.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION: To provide an up-to-date timetable on the production of an updated Local Plan in accordance with the requirements of national legislation and policy.

Audio recording – 37 minutes 4 seconds

Councillor Daniel Allen, as the Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport, presented the report entitled ‘Local Plan – Local Development Scheme’ and advised that:

·       The Council agreed to proceed with a full review and update of the North Herts Local Plan (NHLP) in January 2024.

·       The Local Development Scheme (LDS) was a statutory document detailing the timetable set by the Council for Preparing the Local Plan in accordance with Section 15 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as amended.

·       The Strategic Planning Project Board were consulted and endorsed the LDS in November 2024.

·       The proposed reforms to the plan-making system have not yet been published or therefore implemented following a change in the government.

·       In the meantime, the Strategic Planning Team have begun to undertake updates to evidence and policy documents which will support and inform the Local Plan.

·       The Sustainability SPD was adopted by the Council in September 2024.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Ian Albert

Points raised in the debate included:

·       The Sustainability SPD was an excellent document and had received positive feedback from developers and other stakeholders.

·       A need to understand next steps and how to communicate the benefits to the residents.

In response to points raised in the debate, the Principal Strategic Planning Officer advised that:

·       The strategic sites would progress as expected under the current Local Plan.

·       Discussions were taking place of the best way to communicate with the community and the Council was working with neighbouring local authorities on joint evidence bases.

·       The Council was working to a timeline and were still waiting for regulations to be published.

·       Cabinet would be kept updated of progress.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Mick Debenham seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the Local Development Scheme, attached at Appendix A.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION: To provide an up-to-date timetable on the production of an updated Local Plan in accordance with the requirements of national legislation and policy.