Issue - meetings

Recommendations

       i.         That the Executive approve the Local Plan Timetable as set out in Appendix 1 and provide delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Community Development to package this timetable up into any relevant document / webpage as directed by forthcoming Government guidance and announcements.

     ii.         That the Corporate Director for Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business be delegated authority to carry out specific administrative duties including, but not limited to, publishing updates to Local Plan data, publishing consultation summaries and approving the Gateway Assessment Recommendations at stages 2 and 3.

    iii.         That the Corporate Director for Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business be authorised to review and amend the timescales of Local Plan Timetable.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director – Community Development which sought Executive approval of the Council’s Local Plan Timetable which included key milestones as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

Introducing the report, the Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips explained that that the timetable had been updated to align with new national requirements, including the introduction of a mandatory plan preparation period. It was noted that, whilst the approach to plan-making had changed, significant work had already been undertaken which would continue to inform the emerging plan. Adoption of the Local Plan remained targeted for 2029.

Members were advised that the revised process would include a ‘get ready’ phase prior to commencement of the formal 30‑month plan preparation period, which was proposed to begin on 30 April 2027. The timetable included three key consultation stages: scoping in late 2026, consultation on content and evidence in autumn 2027, and consultation on the proposed Local Plan in autumn 2028. Submission to the Secretary of State was planned for March 2029, with adoption anticipated later that year.

The report also sought delegated authority for the Corporate Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business, to undertake several operational functions to support delivery of the timetable, including publication of updates, management of gateway assessments and consultation reporting. It was explained that this approach would ensure the programme could be managed efficiently and transparently.

During discussion, Members sought clarification regarding opportunities for public engagement, particularly in relation to when site assessments and proposed site allocations would be made available. In response, it was explained that the new system placed a greater emphasis on earlier engagement around evidence and strategic direction, with detailed site allocations not expected to be published until the proposed plan stage in autumn 2028. It was further noted that information on submitted sites would continue to be made available, including updates identifying sites no longer progressing.

Members also discussed the implications of the Government’s increased housing targets and the challenges associated with delivering these requirements. Concerns were raised regarding the risk of sites being allocated but not built out, the impact of speculative development, and the need to ensure that the plan remained deliverable in practice. Officers confirmed that the five‑year housing land supply would continue to be assessed using established methodologies, taking into account both completions and deliverable commitments.

Members expressed concern regarding the wider planning system, including the impact of short‑term holiday lets on housing availability, and the need for complementary national policy changes to address these issues alongside local plan preparation.

Resolved (unanimously) that:

1. That the Executive approve the Local Plan Timetable as set out in Appendix 1 and provide delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Community Development to package this timetable up into any relevant document / webpage as directed by forthcoming Government guidance and announcements.

2. That the Corporate Director for Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 929