Issue - meetings

On 13 October 2011, the Government (Department for Communities and Local Government) issued a consultation on ‘Neighbourhood Planning Regulations’ which sought views on proposed new regulations governing aspects of the powers proposed within the Localism Bill.  In particular, views were sought on the process for establishing neighbourhood areas and forums; the preparation of neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood development orders, together with community right to build orders.

Members were requested to agree the Council’s draft response attached at Appendix 2 of the report.  The formal response would be finalised by the Chief Planner in consultation with the Committee Chairman in time to meet the deadline of 5 January 2012.  It was anticipated that once the Localism Bill had been enacted and the regulations adopted in respect of planning implications, officers would prepare a briefing to be submitted to a future meeting.

The Chairman outlined the report stating that the initiative had been brought about by the change of legislation and that the Council had been requested to respond to the consultation exercise.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  appendix 2 form the basis of the Council's response to the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations and that the formal response be finalised by the Chief Planner in consultation with the Committee Chairman; and

2)  officers provide a briefing for the Committee after the Localism Bill is enacted and that the regulations be adopted with respect to the planning implications.