Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence was received from Councillor Sandell (Councillor Crofts substitute).

The Chair thanked Councillor Crofts for being a substitute at the meeting.

The notes of the meeting held on 10 February 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Members should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

There was no urgent business.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.  Any Member attending the meeting under Standing Order 34 will only be permitted to speak on those items which have been previously notified to the Chairman.

There were no Members present pursuant to Standing Order 34.

There was no Chair’s correspondence.

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Luke Brown and Alex Fradley provided a comprehensive overview of the new Local Plan making system, highlighting its legislative background, key differences from the previous system, and the implications for local authorities.

Luke Brown explained that the new Local Plan making system stemmed from the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023) and subsequent planning reforms, with the new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December for consultation (with anticipated final publication being Summer 2026). The system introduced a 30-month timeline for plan preparation, with key milestones and a pre-notification period before the formal start all set out in law.

Key Differences from Previous System: Officers outlined that the new system centralised more planning policy at the national level, limited local policies to local designations and standards, and required a vision with no more 10 measurable outcomes. The process would be more templated and standardised, aiming to accelerate plan adoption and ensure up-to-date local plans.

Consultation and Engagement Requirements: The new system mandated a digital-first approach to consultation, with a high-level scoping consultation at the outset to gather input on engagement preferences and plan scope, rather than detailed policy proposals. Officers emphasised the need to involve  the economically active, young people in education, parish councils (including neighbourhood plan groups), and the wider public early in the process. Later in the process is a draft plan consultation and a proposed plan consultation.

Gateway System and Project Management: A new gateway system introduced three formal checkpoints (the first being self-assessment, with second two overseen by the Planning Inspectorate) to ensure plans were on track and issues were addressed early. Officers described the need for rigorous project management to meet the fixed deadlines and highlighted the risks of government intervention if milestones were missed.

Councillor Spikings raised questions about the effect of the transition to a unitary authority and the creation of a mayoral combined authority for Norfolk and Suffolk.  Officers clarified that the Government have been clear that plan making must continue and that LGR or Devolution were not reasons to stop or pause plan-making.

Transition to Unitary Authority: Officers confirmed that the County Council would likely be replaced by a unitary authority, and the new authority would be responsible for completing the Local Plan if the current council ceased to exist before adoption. Precedents from other reorganisations were discussed, where new authorities finished inherited plans before starting new ones for their revised boundaries.

Devolution and Spatial Development Strategies: Alex Fradley explained that a new Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) would be required at the combined authority level, setting broad growth and housing numbers, with local plans sitting beneath. However, as the SDS was not yet in place, the emerging local plan would proceed under existing frameworks, with officers already engaging in early discussions about the SDS.

Government Direction to Continue Planning: Officers reiterated that the government had instructed authorities not to pause or delay plan making due to reorganisation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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Officers introduced proposed updates to the Local Plan Task Group's terms of reference, reflecting changes in the planning system and council processes, with the revised document prepared in collaboration with councillors and to be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

RESOLVED:That the Local Plan Task Group supported the draft Cabinet report and proposed changes to its Terms of Reference.

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Sandra Homcenko and Henry Anthony presented an initial draft of the Local Plan vision and possible 10 measurable outcomes, inviting feedback and further discussion at the next meeting, with councillors raising questions about housing numbers, measurement, and flood risk assessment.

The new system required a clear vision for the plan period (to 2044) and no more than 10 measurable outcomes. This will be informed by the scoping consultation and be iterative.

The draft outcomes covered housing delivery, choice and mix, sustainable growth, economic development, design quality, health, environmental protection, biodiversity, net zero transition, and infrastructure provision.

The Task Group were invited to review and make suggestions with regard to the SWOT analysis, Vision, and Measurable Outcomes, to be discussed at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:That the report be noted.

To be arranged when required.

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 2.00 pm in Meeting Room 1:3, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn.