Report No.215/2018 was received from the Strategic Director for Places.

Mr O Hemsley introduced the report the purpose of which was to seek Cabinet’s authorisation to carry out consultation on the proposed Barrowden and Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan followed by submission to an independent examiner and holding of a local referendum.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         A huge amount of work went into producing a neighbourhood plan so it made sense for neighbouring communities with similar aspirations, even if, as in this case, it involved adjacent but differing counties, to join together.

·         As the majority of the population of the area involved resided in Rutland, Rutland County Council (RCC) would act as the chief counting officer and oversee the referendum, but would act in consultation with East Northants District Council.  Voting in the referendum would be carried out in the localities.

DECISIONS:

Cabinet:

1.    AUTHORISED publication of the Submission Draft Barrowden & Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan, for consultation with the local community and key stakeholders.

2.    AUTHORISED submission of the document and supporting information to an independent examiner appointed by the Council in order to carry out an examination of the plan.

3.    AUTHORISED the Strategic Director for Places to:

         i.        undertake the statutory consultation required as part of the submission procedure and on completion of that consultation, prepare a post-submission Statement of Consultation for consideration by the independent examiner; and

       ii.        prepare the necessary documentation to accompany the Submission Draft Document through the local referendum process, including consultation and publicity material.

      iii.        appoint an independent examiner to carry out an examination of the Barrowden & Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan and, following receipt of the examiner’s report, to organise a local referendum to consider the Neighbourhood Plan.

4.    AUTHORISED the Strategic Director for Places, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Rutland One Public Estate & Growth, Tourism & Economic Development and Resources (other than Finance) to:

         i.        identify, in consultation with Barrowden & Wakerely Parish Councils, any such minor changes to the Submission Draft Barrowden & Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan that may be required in response to representations received and submit them to the independent examiner;

       ii.        seek to determine, in consultation with Barrowden & Wakerley Parish Councils, any modifications identified in the independent examiner’s report before it can proceed to the referendum; and

      iii.        agree any changes to the referendum area if recommended by the independent examiner.

Reasons for the decision

The submission draft Barrowden and Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan is considered to comply with the statutory requirements for submission of a neighbourhood plan to a local authority. It is recommended that it be publicised and submitted for independent examination as required by legislation and regulations.

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Mr G Brown returned to the meeting

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