Decision details

The Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder and the Director of Communities submitted a report seeking the approval of the Wyre Local Plan – Issues and Options document and Potential Development Sites for public consultation to commence in July 2024.

Councillor Le Marinel introduced the report and clarified that, owing to the recent announcement by the new UK Government, an additional recommendation to the report was proposed. This was supported by Cabinet. The recommendation was as follows:

·         That Cabinet acknowledge that the Wyre Local Plan Issues and Options has been prepared in advance of the new Government’s proposed planning reform and it has not considered the implications of this for the Local Plan. The proposed planning reform may have implications for the Standard Method, which could increase the number of dwellings that are required in Wyre.

Councillor Vincent noted that the main opposition group was not in attendance at this meeting and expressed the importance to discuss and debate planning policies. The Cabinet discussed the possible impact of the future planning reforms as proposed by the new Government particularly raising concerns regarding the limited infrastructure in Wyre.

Councillor Vincent confirmed that it was important to consult with residents on the issues and options for future development.

Councillor Le Marinel clarified the purpose of the issues and options paper. Its purpose was to consult upon the key planning issues for Wyre and the range of options or recommended approaches the Local Plan should consider to tackle the key issues identified. The Issues and Options is an important early stage in involving the community before any decisions are made.

Councillor Vincent raised concerns regarding confusion around the definitions of green belt and greenfield land. He confirmed that the Council would continue to protect the green belt.

Decisions

Cabinet agreed:

·         That Cabinet approves the Wyre Local Plan - Issues and Options document (Appendix 1) and Potential Development Sites (Appendix 2) for a minimum six week public consultation to commence in July 2024.

·         That minor amendments to correct factual errors or improve the clarity of the document and which will not materially affect the content of the Wyre Local Plan - Issues and Options document be agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, as necessary, before the document is published for public consultation.

·         That Cabinet acknowledge that the Wyre Local Plan Issues and Options has been prepared in advance of the new Government’s proposed planning reform and it has not considered the implications of this for the Local Plan. The proposed planning reform may have implications for the Standard Method, which could increase the number of dwellings that are required in Wyre.