Report no: 129/2020

(Key Decision)

Cabinet considered the Government’s proposals for the reform of the planning system in England as set out in the Planning for the Future White Paper in Appendix 1 and the revised draft Council response in Appendix 2, on the appended supplement.

Cabinet agreed to submit a formal consultation response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by the deadline of 29th October.

Cabinet delegated the responsibility of submitting a response to the Interim Strategic Director of Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Finance.

Councillor G Brown, as the relevant Cabinet Member explained that the Planning White Paper had been extensively debated at Council and had also been considered by the Growth Infrastructure and Resource Scrutiny Committee, there comments of which had been included in the updated agenda. Councillor Brown explained that he considered the Paper to undermine democratic accountability and clarity was needed on the number of houses required.

Councillors Stephenson and Walters echoed the views of Councillor Brown and thanked him and officers for their comprehensive response.

RESOLVED:

That the Government’s proposals for the reform of the planning system in England as set out in the Planning for the Future White Paper in Appendix 1 and the revised draft Council response in Appendix 2, on the appended supplement be considered.

That a formal consultation response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by the deadline of 29th October 2020 be submitted.

That the responsibility of submitting a response be delegated to the Interim Strategic Director of Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Finance.