Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor D Evans)

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community, which provided an updated timetable and Local Development Scheme for the preparation of a new local plan for West Lancashire, in light of the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, changes in staffing in the Growth & Development Service and anticipated changes to what may be required of local plans under the proposals in the recent Planning White Paper.

The minute of Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee was circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details set out in the report before it and the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED:   A.   That the minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the meeting held on 2 September 2021 be noted.

                          B.   That the updated September 2021 Local Development Scheme within Appendix A be approved.

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community as contained on pages 119 to 132 of the Book of Reports which was to consider an updated timetable and Local Development Scheme for the preparation of a new Local Plan for West Lancashire, in light of the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, changes in staffing in the Growth and Development Service and anticipated changes to what may be required of Local Plans under the proposals in the recent Planning White Paper.

The Principal Planning Officer outlined the report including details set out in the Local Development Scheme (updated September 2021).  He explained that whilst a Local Development Scheme (LDS) was approved relatively recently by Cabinet (in March 2021), it is now considered necessary to amend the LDS to reflect changes in staffing, and also to allow for an extra stage of consultation to take place in autumn 2022, to give stakeholders an additional chance to comment on the new Local Plan's proposed housing and employment land requirements, and on proposed site allocations.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Possible impact of proposals arising from the Government's Planning White Paper

·         Extra stage of public consultation in 2022 supported

·         The report and updated timetable / timescales supported

RESOLVED: That the content of the Timetable for Local Plan Preparation report and the September 2021 Local Development Scheme within Appendix A be supported by the Committee