Decision - Local Development Framework Core Strategy - Revised Preferred Options

1.     That the nature of the representations made to the original Core Strategy Preferred Options document (appendix 2 of the report) be noted.

2.     That the officer responses and recommendations to the representations set out in the schedule attached to the Statement of Consultation placed in the Members’ rooms be approved.

3.     That the Revised Core Strategy and supporting documents for the purposes of a minimum six week period of public consultation, subject to any minor editorial changes agreed by the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the Director of Environment be approved; and

4.     That it be noted that the final version of the Core Strategy would be brought back to the Cabinet and Council in January 2009 for approval for submission to the Secretary of State following a final formal period of consultation to take place during February and March 2009 (the exact procedure would be subject to the publication of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations anticipated May/June 2008.

1.     To ensure that Cabinet is aware of the extent and nature of comments received on the original November 2006 Core Strategy Preferred Options document and the proposed officer response.

2.     To progress the Core Strategy towards its adoption and ensure the council has an up to date strategic planning framework for the city to replace the current Local Plan. This will assist in bringing forward other local development documents and for the council to meet the Best Value Performance indicator BV200b. Progress towards adoption of the Core Strategy will also facilitate the implementation of other city-wide strategies.

3.     To advise Cabinet that amended regulations for preparing development plan documents are due to be published in May/ June 2008. The likely implication of these amendments is that when the council agrees the next version of the document in January 2008 this will be the final version of the plan which will then be published for consultation and submission to the Secretary of State.

1.     The purpose of the preferred option stage of the Core Strategy is to test a range of realistic and deliverable options to accommodating growth and development in the city to 2026. This testing includes consultation, a robust and up to date evidence base and a Sustainability Appraisal. The Revised Core Strategy sets out clearly the council’s preferred option, what alternatives were considered and why they were discounted. The purpose of the consultation is to seek the views of the public and stakeholders on these preferred options before the final document is prepared.