Issue - meetings

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, People and Place which sought approval to adopt the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2021.

It was reported that the SCI set out how Oldham Council would involve the community in the preparation and the revision of planning policy such as the Local Plan, together with the consideration of planning applications. 

This SCI is as per the adopted SCI 2020 version but with references to Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) amended to refer to Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document.

An Equalities Impact Assessment was prepared to support the SCI 2020. Given the nature of the changes to this SCI 2021 it was considered that there was no need for a revised Equalities Imapct Assessment as the only changes are in relation to altering references to GMSF to Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document.

Option/alternatives

Option 1 – Adopt the SCI 2021 and make it available to view alongside the EIA (2020). The advantage of this option was that the SCI will provide certainty to residents, developers and other key groups and organisations as to the consultation methods the council will use. It would also allow us to progress the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document. There are no disadvantages to this option.

Option 2 – Not to adopt the SCI 2021 and make it available to view alongside the EIA (2020). There were no advantages to this option. The disadvantage will be that the SCI will not refer to Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document, which will would not reflect the correct arrangements.

RESOLVED – That the Statement of Community Involvement be adopted and available to view alongside the Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020.