Issue - meetings

A report was submitted which updated the Committee about the Local Plan process in light of the Inspector’s preliminary findings and other matters.

Consultants had been engaged to undertake high level transport modelling regarding the capacity of Junction 6 of the M25 to help inform the Council’s decision about whether to pause or withdraw the plan. It was now hoped that this work would be completed by the end of June 2021. The Inspector had accepted this extended timescale but, by the end of August, would consider whether a sound Plan could be achieved in a timely way and, if not, whether he should conclude the Examination. A special meeting of Committee in August was, therefore, likely to be required.

The report also updated the Committee about:

·         national planning policy developments, namely the progress of the Planning Bill (aimed at improving the process for delivering new housing and infrastructure) and the First Homes initiative (a new model for shared ownership); and

·         the progress of neighbourhood plan initiatives throughout the District (clarification would be sought regarding the position of the Dormansland and Lingfield Neighbourhood Plans as these were not mentioned within report). 

R E S O L V E D – that the report be noted.