Committee details

Local Plan CAG

Terms of Reference

July 2023

Background:

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) (the Local Plan work programme), sets out the scope for a partial update of the Local Plan, together with a timetable for the preparation of the Plan update.

Purpose:

The purpose of the new CAG is:

1.  To receive and consider reports and evidence in relation to the matters set out in the LDS;

2.  To consider the policy and development options for addressing these issues;

3.  To consider the infrastructure needed to support development in the district;

4.  In their considerations, the Group should have regard to compliance with the relevant legislation, government policy and guidance, to the other parts of the Development Plan for the area and to all other material considerations;

5.  The Group will receive briefings from Officers in the update process about key issues and outcomes from evidence-gathering and discussions with stakeholders;

Objectives of the Group:

To consider the detailed matters identified in the LDS, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

The implications of the Local Housing Need Methodology on housing requirements for the district;

Climate change; including the outcomes from the work of the Climate Emergency Working Group, where relevant;

Ensure a robust policy relationship between biodiversity “net gain”; woodland protection/planting; green infrastructure and the Council’s proposed Tree Strategy;

Update Environment Strategy policies as necessary, depending on the progress of the Environment Bill and Kent Environment Strategies;

Guidance on type and size of dwellings may require updating;

The provision of Gypsy & Traveller sites to meet identified requirements;

Update the provisions of the Plan in relation to Manston Airport in the light of any decision on the Development Consent Order;

Identify additional employment land, as required;

Incorporate any decision in relation to the future of Port Ramsgate;

Some Town Centre policies may need amending in the light of changing Government guidance and other changes to the planning system;

Incorporate key policy aspects from the proposed Westwood SPD fully into the Plan;

Some infrastructure policies (for example, transport; health and education) may need updating, depending on the scale and location of new housing;

The infrastructure needs of the district in relation to planned development and the need to improve existing infrastructure, particularly in relation to water supply, sewerage and rain water run-off.

To receive and consider the available evidence in relation to these matters;

To consider the options for the Plan; and

To advise the Cabinet of the views expressed by the Group.

Membership, Chairmanship and Quorum:

Administration:

The meeting dates will be set in advance by the chair.

Agenda items will be circulated and minutes taken at each meeting. These minutes will be published.

Directors, Heads of services and officers can be called to give updates on relevant agenda items.

General:

Following the final meeting of the Cabinet Advisory Group, the key findings/conclusions/recommendations of the Group will be presented to Cabinet.

LPCAG meetings will be informal and held in private, with scope to meet with and hear evidence from members of the public or hold a public meeting as required. Minutes of meetings will be retained as a record of discussions and published on the council’s website.

The LPCAG is not a decision making body. Any suggested activity will be assessed against TDC’s resources and capacity to support delivery.

Notes

This Local Plan Cabinet Advisory Group was established through terms of reference approved by an Individual Cabinet Member decision made by the Leader of Council on 24 July 2023.