Purpose

To seek Cabinet approval to pause Local Plan progression to Regulation 19 and review the Phase 2 strategy and evidence base in light of recent Government decisions and the August 2026 NPPF.

Decision

(Key Decision):

1. To approve Option 2 as the preferred option and to complete the comprehensive, time-limited review (in Report Appendix 1).
2. To agree that plan-making will continue during the review through focused evidence updates, engagement with government and neighbouring authorities, programme planning and the development of an interim Framework for Plan led growth and infrastructure provision. (Report Appendix 2).
3. To agree to formalise the initial assessment work and use the review to evaluate the robustness of the spatial strategy and evidence base against the August 2026 NPPF, current and potential future planning geography, housing needs and supply, infrastructure and transport capacity, environmental constraints, site suitability and deliverability.
4. To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, to seek urgent clarification from the Secretary of State on the legacy submission deadline, transitional arrangements and the implications of local government reorganisation, including its pause of the programme.
5. To require a further report to Cabinet in November 2026, or earlier if material government decisions are issued, setting out the review findings, recommended statutory route, programme, resources and risk mitigations.