Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Planning Policy and Projects Manager.

Due to the size of the document, this will be published as a supplementary paper to this agenda.

The Planning Policy and Projects Manager presented the Dover District Local Plan Publication (Regulation 19) and Submission (Regulation 22).

Members thanked officers for the work that had gone into the preparation of the Local Plan and praised the quality of the work.

The importance of delivering infrastructure prior to development was stressed by Members and there was discussion as to whether the proposed timescale needed to be changed in light of potential changes in Government policy. Councillor T A Bond advocated further discussion with the Government before going to consultation on the Local Plan due to potential impact of the Council’s two levelling-up bids and the potential for a Kent Investment Zone. Members also considered whether to request that the Local Plan come back to full Council prior to submission (Regulation 22).

Officers advised that there had been efforts to obtain funding from the Government for infrastructure improvements and undertaking the Regulation 19 consultation would clearly demonstrate the districts intentions for development and its infrastructure needs. If required, the Local Plan could be paused between consultation and submission if there was a need to do so.

In the absence of any dissent, it was agreed to note the report.

To consider the attached report of the Planning Policy and Projects Manager.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environment

It was agreed to recommend to Council:

(a)   That the Submission Dover District Local Plan (Regulation 19) and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment be approved for publication for a period of 7 weeks.

(b)   That, following publication, the Submission Dover District Local Plan and supporting documents be submitted to the First Secretary of State for Examination, together with the Regulation 19 representations and a summary thereof.

(c)   That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environment, to prepare an addendum to the Plan with the proposed changes that may be necessary to address soundness issues raised by representations received in response to the Regulation 19 publication, that can be submitted with the Plan to be considered by the inspector during the examination process; and

(d)   That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environment, to make any necessary editorial changes and minor amendments to the Submission Dover District Local Plan, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment, prior to publication, submission and during the examination, to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation.