Decision details

To consider the establishment of a West Suffolk Local Plan Working Group, which would be appointed to consider specific aspects of the Local Plan development process and make recommendations to Cabinet, in accordance with its proposed terms of reference.

Resolved:

That:

1.           The establishment of a Local Plan Working Group be agreed.

2.           The Terms of Reference for the Local Plan Working Group, attached as Appendix A, to Report Number CAB/WS/21/015, be approved.

The Local Plan was important in supporting delivery of our Strategic priorities and essential for the continuation of an effective planning service.  In addition, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, (2004), required Local Planning authorities to prepare and keep an up-to-date Local Plan.

West Suffolk Council was preparing a new Local Plan that once completed, would replace the various documents, which together formed the existing Development Plan for West Suffolk.  The new Local Plan would be in conformity with the National Planning Policy Framework and informed by local evidence relating to West Suffolk and the wider area.   

To shape and form a leadership/political process to develop and progress the West Suffolk Local Plan, it was proposed to create a Local Plan Working Group to deal with the detail of policy development, monitoring and best practice covering the Local Plan preparation, public engagement, and responses to consultations.  The terms of reference were attached at Appendix A to Report Number CAB/WS/21/015. 

The alternative option would be to test and refine site and policy options as well as draft policy and the Local Plan using Cabinet or Council, with the option for Overview and Scrutiny inspection. However, this was often a very detailed, technical task and could be more effectively undertaken by a small working group to explore options, key issues, and test policy/site options in detail.  Establishing a Local Plan Working Group also allowed Members to lead and develop the Local Plan throughout its preparation process.