Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council which amended the Council’s Local Development Framework Scheme of Delegation to ensure the decision making process was up to date and to reflect recent legislative changes.

The current Local Development Framework Scheme of Delegation was adopted 14 September 2011 to reflect changes in the procedures to be followed in relation to the production of development plan documents, following amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004.

Since the Scheme of Delegation was last updated legislative changes have taken place, including:

·         The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as amended;

·         The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012; and

·         The Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017

As such, changes needed to be made to the existing Local Development Framework Scheme of Delegation in relation to the following in particular:

·         Terminology (such as replacing references to the Local Development Framework);

·         References to regulation stages within the decision-making procedures; and

·         Decision making processes for Neighbourhood Planning.

There may be further changes as a result of the recently announced Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Any changes needed to the Scheme of Delegation would be considered at the appropriate time once further guidance and legislation has been published.

Options/alternatives considered

Option 1 – To approve and adopt the revised levels of decision-making in respect of local planning. This would reflect the latest terminology and regulations and provide greater clarity when making decisions in respect of local planning.

Option 2 – Not to approve and adopt the revised levels of decision-making in respect of local planning. This would result in thecontinued use of an out-of-date scheme of delegation and a lack of clarity. 

RESOLVED - That the revised Local Planning Scheme of Delegation be approved and adopted.