The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy that sought approval for the publication of Oldham’s 2024 Brownfield Land Register.
The Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017 required that each local planning authority in England prepare, maintain and publish a register of previously developed (brownfield) land suitable for housing. The government considered the purpose of the register being to provide up-to-date and consistent information on sites that local authorities consider to be appropriate for residential development. The Brownfield Register update for 2024 included 185 sites.
A Brownfield Register is made up of two parts, Part 1 comprises all brownfield sites that the council has assessed to be appropriate for residential development and could include sites with or without planning permission. Part 2 identified sites that the local authority had decided should be granted (planning) permission in principle (PiP) for residential development. PiP is an alternative route to obtaining planning permission which separated “in principle” matters, such as use and location, from technical details, which were left to be agreed later.
It is not proposed to include sites on Part 2 of the Register currently. The decision not to progress Part 2 would be kept under review. This was particularly the case given that the council may, in future, become obligated by the government to start granting PiP.
The report detailed Oldham Council’s 8th Brownfield Register.
Options/Alternatives considered:
The following options were considered:
Option 1 - To approve and publish Part 1 of Oldham’s Brownfield Land Register 2024 in line with the Regulations. Part 2 was not proposed.
Option 2 - To not approve and publish an updated Brownfield Land Register as the 2024 SHLAA already contained all brownfield land considered suitable for housing development. This would not comply with the current Regulations.
The preferred Option was Option 1, as this would comply with Regulations (there is no current obligation to include sites on Part 2 of the Register).
Resolved:
1. That the Oldham Brownfield Land Register 2024, be approved and published, in line with the Regulations.
2. That the Cabinet notes the It is recommended to note the approach to determining sites be included in Part 1 and 2 of the Brownfield Register.
3. That the Cabinet approves a 2024 update of the Brownfield Land Register (Part 1 only) for publication.
4. That the Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) to make any minor amendments and updates to the register throughout the year, if and when required.