Issue - meetings

Planning and Sustainability (C-007-2021-22) - to provide members with regular updates on the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks within Epping Forest District to ensure that members are kept fully up to date.

(1)        The progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks, including the use of Planning Performance Agreements and the progress of other proposals at pre-application and application stage was noted together with the positive progress being made on the Local Plan as its reaches the next stage of Main Modification Consultations; and

(2)        The Cabinet approved the Housing Action Plan and its publication.

The Planning and Sustainability Portfolio Holder introduced the update on progress of the implementation of the Local Plan.

This report was prepared by the Policy & Implementation Team to provide members with an update on the progress of Strategic Masterplans, Concept Frameworks and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) within the District, including major projects and planning applications dealt with by the team.  Scheduled meetings and workshops continue to take place with site promoters and developers in accordance with project plans agreed within PPAs.  Consideration was being given to whether some workshops/meeting could take place in person later this year, subject to COVID restrictions. The majority of community engagement were still taking place virtually and this would be reviewed periodically. 

The District’s emerging Local Plan was progressing well and was at an advanced stage.  As such, the Local Plan was being given substantial weight in the assessment of planning applications. The Local Plan Inspector was close to finalising the Main Modifications Schedule which will be published for consultation.  Preparation includes a member briefing session, presentation of all consultation materials and guidance on the Council’s website, communication via the consultee database, press releases, information at libraries and on social media.  Following the consideration of the representations, the Inspector would determine if the Local Plan was ‘sound’ and if so, was likely to be adopted by the District Council in later 2021.

The consultation will commence on 15 July and end on 23 September. The statutory 6 week period will be extended to 10 weeks to allow for consultation over the holiday period.   The consultation is on the Schedule of Main Modifications and supporting documents associated with the Main Modifications only. 

It was worth remembering that this was now the Inspectors Plan and no longer the Council’s plan; it was just the major modifications that were being consulted on.

Decision:

(1)        The progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks, including the use of Planning Performance Agreements and the progress of other proposals at pre-application and application stage was noted together with the positive progress being made on the Local Plan as it reaches the next stage of Main Modification Consultations; and

(2)        The Cabinet approved the Housing Action Plan and its publication.

Reasons for Proposed Decision

To ensure that members were kept fully up to date on the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks and other major proposals being promoted within the District.

To comply with the Council’s general obligations as a local planning authority and the requirements set out in national planning guidance.

Other Options for Action:

Not to update members on the progress on the above issues would be contrary to the commitment made by the Implementation Team as noted in the 18 October 2018 Cabinet Report.

To not prepare or to delay the publication of the Housing Action Plan would be contrary to advice contained within NPPF and NPPG.