Issue - meetings

To consider the draft Local Plan Consultation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member: Homes & Enforcement presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure. The report detailed the Draft Local Plan and proposed site allocations.

The existing Telford and Wrekin Local Plan was adopted in February 2018 and under government guidelines was due to be reviewed every five years in order remain up-to-date and in line with national policy. The Draft Plan and consultation was the next formal stage in this review. The plan set out how the Council used the planning system to further the protection of the borough’s greenspaces, help bring forward climate ready development that provided homes for all, supported regeneration and brought new investment in infrastructure and job creation until 2040.

The Draft Plan was a consultation document and provided the public and stakeholders an early opportunity to provide their input. Following the consultation period, the local plan review then proceeded to the Publication stage at which point there was a further stage of public consultation. This would be followed by independent examination by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, with adoption anticipated 2025/26.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and thanked officers for their hard work. A discussion took place regarding the importance of engaging residents in the consultation process.

RESOLVED - that:

a)    The contents of the report and the appendices be noted;

b)    the Draft Local Plan, the Draft Polices Map and the proposed Site Allocations be approved;

c)    Delegated authority be provided to the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Enforcement to exercise all relevant powers under provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2023 and associated law to:

a.    consult and invite representations on the Local Plan review;

b.    Prepare the local plan for submission to the Secretary of State (following approval from Full Council) and prepare for examination;

c.    And publish the outcome of the examination and recommendations

d)    delegated authority be provided to the Director: Housing Employment and Infrastructure to exercise the Council’s powers relating to its duty to cooperate in relation to the planning of sustainable development as set out in Section 33A Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and any other associated legislation and guidance; and

e)    That delegated authority be provided to the Director: Housing Employment & Infrastructure to enter into formal arrangements with any person or body referred to or prescribed in accordance with Section 33A Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and associated law and authorise the Lead Cabinet Member to sign and confirm the Council’s agreement to those formal arrangements if required.