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Issue - meetings

Straetgic Planning Matter Paper

 

 

Meeting: 20/01/2026 - Cabinet (Item 9)

9 STRATEGIC PLANNING MATTERS pdf icon PDF 277 KB

REPORT OF THE INTERIM STRATEGIC PLANNING MANAGER

This report identifies the latest position on key planning and transport issues affecting the Council.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the report on strategic planning matters and appendices.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 21 minutes 19 seconds

 

Councillor Donna Wright, as Executive Member for Place, presented the report entitled ‘Strategic Planning Matters’ and advised that:

 

·        This report outlined recent government policy updates following consultations on reforming the statutory consultee system, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in November and December 2025.

·        The Council was preparing a response to these consultations and Cabinet would be kept informed of progress.

·        It was hoped to have a draft NPPF consultation ready by February 2026.

·        Progress of the six strategic sites of the Local Plan were detailed in paragraph 8.14 of the report.

·        Progress of the Local Plans of neighbouring local authorities were summarised in pages 45 and 46.

·        Following changes in the plan-making system, Hertfordshire County Council would be responsible for preparing a spatial development strategy.

·        A further legal appeal was being considering regarding the proposed expansion of Luton Airport.

·        Consultation for the North Herts Draft Town Centres Strategy was currently underway.

 

The following Members asked questions:

 

·        Councillor Tamsin Thomas

·        Councillor Ian Albert

 

In response to a question, the Interim Strategic Planning Manager advised that as part of preparation of the Local Plan it was planned to hold a Member briefing to ensure viability of the plan and an optimum outcome. 

 

In response to a question, Councillor Wright advised that the feedback received from Cabinet following the changes to the NPPF would be included in the consultation.

 

In response to a question, the Chief Executive advised that talks were being held with Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Futures to see if there might be any opportunities for the Council following the creation of Universal Studios in Bedfordshire. Any relevant information would be shared with Members.

 

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·        Councillor Val Bryant

·        Councillor Tamsin Thomas

 

Points raised during the debate included:

 

·        The importance of ensuring Cabinet was kept up to date with relevant information.

·        How good it was for the Council that its six strategic sites in the Local Plan were all progressing through the master planning process.

 

Councillor Donna Wright proposed and Councillor Tamsin Thomas seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the report on strategic planning matters and appendices.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.