Decision - Further Revisions to the Local Development Scheme for the Local Development Framework 2008-2011

To seek approval of amendments to the July 2008 Local Development Scheme (the three year timetable for the Local Development Framework), for submission to the Secretary of State.

(a)   To approve the revised Local Development Scheme for submission to the Secretary of State subject to minor alterations that may be made in consultation with the Director of Environment and the Cabinet Member for Environment.

(b)   To agree that the LDS should be brought into effect following approval by the Secretary of State.

(1) To ensure that there is an up to date timetable for preparing development plan documents in accordance with government guidance.  In addition, to ensure that minor changes can be made, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, without the need for the document to return to Cabinet.

(2)       Should the LDS be agreed by the Secretary of State there would be no requirement for the document to return to Cabinet for adoption.

The main alternative options considered and evaluated in preparing the LDS relate to the type of local development documents to be prepared over the next three years, how they will be resourced, prioritised and when the key stages will be undertaken.  The proposed timetable is considered the best option with the resources available.