The Project Manager (Policy) introduced the report which set out the consultation timetable options that could be considered as part of the Council’s Local Plan Review.

The Chair invited Members to make comments which included:

·         This was the best timescale within the resources and information that was available;

·         hoped to see the regulation 19 document being submitted during the second half of 2025;

·         concerned that the regulation 19 document could be rushed and thought it might be better to take our time with the submission;

·         would have preferred to go with option 1a in the report; and

·         how confident were officers with the proposed timetable and was the delivery of the timetable possible with the resources they have?

The Head of Place responded to the question about resources and explained to Members that they had successfully filled two of three vacant posts in the policy team, and had temporary staff to help cover the extra workload.

The Vice-Chair proposed the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Richard Palmer.

Recommended:

(1)   That the Local Plan Review consultation option 2 be recommended to Full Council for progression.

(2)   That Full Council update the Local Development Scheme, at Appendix I of the report, and this be published on the Council’s Website.