Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 6, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:   i)  The publication of the East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan for Consultation and associated policies map (with an end date of 2041) attached as Appendix 1, for at least a 6-week period of statutory public consultation, with an anticipated start date in May 2025; ii)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture, following consultation with the Mayor as Lead Member, to finalise the East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan, including any minor amendments, prior to public consultation and to make the required arrangements for statutory public consultation, in accordance with the Consultation Protocol attached as Appendix 2; and iii)  The publication of the Local Development Scheme 2025 attached as Appendix 3. Cabinet is furthermore also asked to note: iv)  The contents of the East London Joint Waste Plan (Regulation 19) Integrated Impact Assessment Report attached as Appendix 5 and the Habitats Regulations Assessment of the East London Joint Waste Plan attached as Appendix 6. v)  The contents of the East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan Consultation Statement attached as Appendix 4.   Alternatives Considered   a)  Do not update the Joint Waste Plan and abandon work to date. This alternative is not recommended. We are required to have an up to date Joint Waste Plan. The previous Plan was adopted in 2012, as a ten year Plan, and is now out of step with the emerging Local Plan, London Plan 2021, and strategic objectives, including the delivery of further housing sites and climate objectives associated with progressive waste management planning. In addition, the emerging Local Plan and Joint Waste Plan are connected in terms of ensuring the best use of sites. It is anticipated that the Inspector(s) may challenge the Council on the soundness of our submission Local Plan if we do not show meaningful progress on the Joint Waste Plan development. This is because the Council have design[1]led capacity tested a site allocation on the assumption that the waste use on that site will no longer be safeguarded. While the London Plan does allow for some limited release of waste uses where the capacity is re-provided elsewhere in London, the release of waste sites should only occur through a Joint Waste Plan process and it will become harder for the Council to justify optimising housing capacity on some site allocations if there is no certainty on whether existing waste sites can be released. In addition, the substantial work 17 undertaken to date would be rendered redundant, representing a poor use of public funds. b)  Delay or postpone work on the Joint Waste Plan. This alternative is not recommended for the reasons outlined above regarding the increasingly out of date adopted Plan and impacts on the Local Plan. In addition, any delay could jeopardise meeting the government’s deadline for all plans progressing under the latest National Planning Policy Framework to be submitted for examination under the existing 2004 Act system no later than December 2026.