Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

1. Agreed that the Local Plan Scoping Consultation takes place for 4 weeks, from 1 to 29 September 2026 (inclusive), to comply with the legislation, Government direction, and the Borough Council’s Local Plan Timetable.

2. The final Scoping Consultation material be agreed by the Assistant Director for Planning under delegated powers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the new local plan-making legal requirements, Government Direction (they have written to the Borough Council), and the Borough Council’s engagement for the Borough Council’s Local Plan.

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Cabinet noted that the Regeneration and Development Panel had considered this report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

Councillor Moriarty introduced the report and informed Cabinet that, following discussions at the Regeneration and Development Panel, he had circulated to all Members a link to a briefing on the matter that had previously been provided to the Local Plan Task Group. He encouraged Councillors to engage with their respective Parish Councils and advised that briefing sessions had been held with Parish Councils.

The Planning Policy Manager presented the report and explained that a programme of wider engagement would be undertaken to secure a broader and more representative range of responses. It was also noted that Parish Councils would be kept informed of progress throughout the process as appropriate.

Councillor Moriarty explained that the consultation formed part of the Council's statutory obligations and thanked officers and the Communications Team for their work in preparing the exercise. Councillor Beales echoed those thanks.

In response to questions from Councillor de Whalley, it was explained that a range of methods would be used to promote the consultation and maximise public engagement. Every effort would be made to ensure that the consultation was accessible, including for those who experienced difficulties accessing digital services. The Planning Policy Manager advised that consultation materials would be available in a variety of formats to ensure accessibility for all.

Councillor Squire requested that consideration be given to the information collected as part of the consultation and suggested that personal information, such as age and income, should not be mandatory. She also asked whether consideration would be given to the location of respondents when assessing representations relating to potential areas for development.

In response to a question from Councillor Morley, Councillor Moriarty provided assurance that the consultation had been designed to ask the appropriate questions and complied with the statutory requirements.

RESOLVED:

1. Agreed that the Local Plan Scoping Consultation takes place for 4 weeks, from 1 to 29 September 2026 (inclusive), to comply with the legislation, Government direction, and the Borough Council’s Local Plan Timetable.

2. The final Scoping Consultation material be agreed by the Assistant Director for Planning under delegated powers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the new local plan-making legal requirements, Government Direction (they have written to the Borough Council), and the Borough Council’s engagement for the Borough Council’s Local Plan.