Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to outline the revisions to the Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS) necessitated by Covid-19 delays.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

(1)  Approves the revised Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS)

(2)  Grants delegated authority to Assistant Director Planning & Economic Growth to make minor amendments to the LDS and Development Plan Document timetables as necessary

(3)  Notes the progression of other Portsmouth Development Plan Documents and Supporting Planning Policy documents.

(TAKE IN REPORT)

Ian Magure introduced this item.  He advised that he is having to bring an amendment to the timetable for the Local Plan as it is not possible to go ahead as planned because of the COVID pandemic. The ability to continue with effective public engagement has also required review, .Although a revised timetable has been drawn up, it is not possible to state with certainty that this will be achievable as it depends on how long the pandemic continues and further amendments are likely to be needed.

To enable plan making to continue, the government updated National Planning Policy Guidance[1] and brought into force new amendment regulations to make the provision to temporarily allow community engagement to take place by 'any means that are reasonably practicable'

The revised timetable could result in the adoption of the Local Plan in summer 2022; a broad estimate since the latter stages of the timetable post 'Submission' of the Plan are subject to the Planning Inspectorate's resource availability. This shift into 2022 would also necessitate a change to the overall plan period (which was previously 2016 - 2036). This is because the National Planning Policy Framework[2] requires strategic policies to look ahead over a minimum 15 year period from adoption, in order to anticipate and respond to long-term requirements and opportunities (with some exceptions relating to town centre development). In accordance with the revised timetable, the new Portsmouth Local Plan will need to be supported by a sound evidence base up to at least 2037/38, as appropriate.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and City Development

1. approved the revised Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS)

2. granted delegated authority to Assistant Director Planning & Economic Growth to make minor amendments to the LDS and Development Plan Document timetables as necessary.

3. noted the progression of other Portsmouth Development Plan Documents and Supporting Planning Policy documents