Issue - meetings

Key Decision identified as Issues & Options Consultation (Review of Telford & Wrekin Local Plan) in the Notice of Key Decisions published on 13 August 2020.

The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure.

The Council was required to review its Local Plan regularly. That review had to plan for the Borough’s future development needs, which needed to address current social and economic challenges and planning for the next phase of growth of the Borough. The review of the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan (TWLP) was central to ensuring that growth continued to be delivered in a sustainable and measured way that benefited the environment, communities and the economy of the Borough.

This review of the Local Plan provided the Council with a means of proactively addressing the economic challenges it faced, providing opportunities to support a swifter economic recovery and develop stronger, more resilient communities. It was also a key means to support the delivery of the Council’s commitment to address Climate Change.

Cabinet Members discussed the importance of local democracy in the planning process in light of the Government’s proposed changes to the planning system. The proposals were welcomed by Cabinet Members and noted that proactivity and public engagement would be key. In response to a question from the Conservative Group Leader, the Leader restated the Council’s commitment to investment in environmental projects, noting the Administration’s previous investments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  that the content of the report and the appendices be noted

(b) That delegated authority be granted to the Director Housing, Employment & Infrastructure (and any other officer authorised in writing by this postholder)  to exercise all the Council’s powers (besides those which are non-executive powers) under the relevant provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and all other enabling legislation, relating to preparation, publication, consultation and processing, to progress the delivery of the Local Plan Review.

(c) That delegated authority be granted to the Director: Housing Employment & Infrastructure, Housing and Communities (and any other officer authorised in writing by this postholder) 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.

(d) That delegated authority be granted to the Director: Housing Employment & Infrastructure, Housing and Communities (and any other officer authorised in writing by this postholder)  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 any other associated legislation and guidance and authorise the Lead Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport and Infrastructure also to sign and confirm the Council’s agreement to those formal arrangements if required.