Issue - meetings

To consider the head of planning’s report. 

Cabinet considered the head of planning’s report that updated on progress with the local plan. 

The Cabinet member with responsibility for the local plan reported that Part 1 of the Local Plan 2029 would soon be available for public consultation.  Part 1 looked at strategic sites and policies, to guide investment and development decisions across the district for the fifteen-year plan period.  The consultation document was based on housing figures for the district set by the South East Plan.  However, the Cabinet member reported that the council, along with other councils in Oxfordshire, would be carrying out a county-wide assessment of housing need to update the local plan at a later date.  Further information might become available during the consultation period.  A later version of the local plan part 1 document might come forward later in the year. 

The report set out how the consultation would be carried out and highlighted the main elements of the part 1 document.  Consultation would commence within the published timescale and would continue beyond the period required, to 9 May.  There would be roadshows, static exhibitions, and an internet-based email forum. 

Cabinet supported the proposals, subject to amending the text to ensure that Valley Park was stated as being in Harwell, not ‘west of Didcot’. 

RESOLVED: To

(a)               note progress on the preparation of the Local Plan 2029 Part 1; and

(b)               support the proposal for the Cabinet member for planning policy to finalise the details of the Local Plan 2029 Part 1 document and supporting material for publication for public consultation and to agree the commencement of that consultation.