Purpose

The report sought authority to publish the Homes, Spaces, Places, (HSP) Draft (Regulation 19) Plan, including supporting background documents, for a period of public consultation in accordance with planning regulations. This report also sought delegation to the Strategic Growth Director in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to make minor or non-material amendments to the plan and background documents prior to publication for consultation. Full Council retained authority to approve the Submission of HSP to the Secretary of State following the period of public consultation. This would be considered through separate reporting to Full Council in due course.

Decision

 RESOLVED

(i)                That Approval be given to the publication of the Homes, Spaces, Places, Draft (Regulation 19) Plan, as provided at Appendix 1, including the allocations and policies contained within it, for publication pursuant to Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

(ii)              That the publication of the supporting evidence base and background documents be Approved.

(iii)            Approval be given to a period for representations (public consultation) of not less than six weeks, commencing no earlier than 1 October 2026;

(iv)            That it be Noted that the delivery of allocated sites may, where necessary and subject to separate approvals, be supported through the use of compulsory purchase powers; and

(v)              That the Strategic Growth Director be authorised in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to make any minor, factual, typographical, presentational or non-material amendments to the HSP Draft (Regulation 19) Publication Plan and supporting documents prior to the consultation commencing.

Alternative options considered

1.      Executive Cabinet could decide not to approve publication of the Homes, Spaces, Places Draft (Regulation 19) Plan. This option had been rejected as it would delay progression of the Local Plan, place the Council's timetable at risk and jeopardise submission of the Plan for examination before the Government's December 2026 deadline for plans progressing under the existing plan-making system.

2.      Executive Cabinet could defer publication of the Draft (Regulation 19) Plan. This option had been rejected as any significant delay would reduce the time available for consultation, consideration of representations, submission and examination preparation, creating a risk that the Plan would not benefit from the Government's transitional arrangements.