Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: April 24, 2025

Purpose: To adopt the Marketing Requirements Supplementary Planning Document, and to permit minor factual changes to be made to it in future, post-adoption, as necessary, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Planning.

Content: Decision: To adopt the Marketing Requirements Supplementary Planning Document (‘the SPD’) as shown in Appendix 1 to the report, and to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning Development to make such minor factual changes to the SPD in future, post-adoption, as necessary, in consultation with the relevant Lead Councillor Reason(s): 1.     Adopting the SPD will support implementation of several policies in the Local Plan that require applicants to submit detailed evidence that certain land uses, as detailed in section 6.0 of this report, that are proposed for redevelopment or change of use have been marketed actively and comprehensively. 2.     The SPD’s guidance aims to provide clarity to applicants, assisting them to prepare planning applications affecting the types of development protected under these policies and thus subject to its marketing requirements. The SPD’s adoption should therefore help limit the need to request further evidence or information from applicants and thereby contribute to greater efficiency during the planning application process. It will also aid decision makers to consistently determine planning applications that comply with these policies. Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: 1.     The recommended option is to adopt the SPD. The clear guidance within the SPD will assist applicants to prepare planning applications in accordance with marketing evidence requirements in the Local Plan. It will also aid decision makers to consistently determine planning applications that comply with relevant Local Plan policies. Adopting the SPD will ensure that the guidance carries material weight in planning decisions. 2.     The alternative option is to not adopt the SPD. This would lead to less certainty for decision-makers and applicants than the recommended option. Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.