Agenda item

The Replacement Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy 2-23-2038 was presented to Council as per the circulated report.

It was reiterated that all elected members are able to request individual briefings with the Planning team on the detail of the preferred strategy.

Concern was raised on the technical and complex nature of the full documentation and members were assured that an ‘Easy Read’ version and video will be made available to enable the public consultation to be as engaging, accessible and meaningful as possible and details of the consultation was shared with Council.

Reference was made to the ‘Valleys Impact’ and concern that there needs to be more detail considered. It was explained that at this stage the plan is strategic looking at overall vision. Reference was made to the National Development Plan in place which identifies areas of growth which we need to adhere to. It was recognised that the detail around the focus of the Valleys will be part of the next stage, the full detailed deposit plan.

It was reiterated that ongoing work and dialogue with other agencies and stakeholders is essential.

The importance of sustainability of the long term nature of this plan was addressed and it was queried if it is likely that the sustainability assessment criteria included would be updated. Officers confirmed that while it is unlikely that the criteria will change, the site responses could which would impact on the sites identified on the plan going forward.  

Members were urged to fully participate in the detail of the plan, speak to the officers and assist with the communication of the consultation as community champions.

RESOLVED:

That having due regard to the Integrated Impact Assessment:

-      The Replacement Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy (2023-2038) (December 2024) as presented in Appendix 2 be agreed for the basis of public consultation.

-      The Interim Integrated Sustainability Appraisal Report (December 2024) as presented in Appendix 3 be agreed for the basis of public consultation.

-      The Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report (December 2024) as presented in Appendix 5 be agreed for the basis of public consultation.

-      The Candidate Sites Register / Assessment (December 2024) as presented in Appendix 6 be agreed for the basis of public consultation.