Decision details

Every local planning authority has to “prepare and maintain” a work programme for its Local Plan-related work, known as the Local Development Scheme (LDS). This is a requirement under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The current LDS was agreed by Cabinet on 17 December 2020, following the review of the adopted Plan.

The report sets out proposed amendments to the work programme for updating the adopted Local Plan, and related documents.

This includes amendments to the timetable, and additional information about additional Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to be prepared alongside the Local Plan.

The key elements of the Local Development Scheme (the Local Plan work programme), including the proposed scope of the Local Plan Update are set out in the report.

Cabinet agreed the proposals for the revised Local Development Scheme, as detailed in the Cabinet report.

To meet the Council’s statutory requirements, and fulfil the requirements of the Secretary of State’s direction letter, dated 28 January 2019.

The only alternative would be to not agree the LDS. This would leave the Council without an up-to-date LDS, and no clear programme for updating the Local Plan. It would also mean that the Council would not fulfil the SoS Direction, and might leave the Council open to further intervention from the SoS. It would potentially have an impact on the Council’s reputation in relation to wider planning matters.