Decision - Government Consultations: Local Plan Regulations and National Planning Policy Framework

(1)    That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration approves the council’s response to the Government’s consultation relating to the Local Plan Regulations (see Appendix 1); and,

(2)    That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration approves the council’s response to the Government’s consultation relating to the draft National Planning Policy Framework (see Appendix 2).  The Cabinet Member will be consulted should minor amendments be suggested following officer attendance at a Department for Communities and Local Government NPPF seminar on 28 September.

To gain formal approval of the council’s response to the Government consultation on the Local Plan Regulations prior to the consultation deadline of 7 October 2011. And:

To gain formal approval of a council response to the Government consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework prior to the consultation deadline of 17 October 2011.  Due to the CMM cycle and the consultation deadline it has not been possible to finalise the response with all key officers.  Approval is therefore sought for the submission of a response similar to Appendix 2, with the agreement that the Cabinet Member will be consulted on the final amended response.

None required. A do nothing approach (not responding to the consultation documents) is not considered appropriate in view of the importance of these documents within the planning system.