Agenda item

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.