Lead Member – Councillor Chris Schofield, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services

Lead Officer – Andy Wigley

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the implications of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in particular regarding the increased local housing need in Shropshire as a result of the associated updated national standard methodology; the implications for managing development in the Green Belt; and the transitional arrangements for plan making.

2.     Noted that as a result of the new local housing need figure calculated as required by the updated NPPF, Shropshire cannot currently demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites.

3.     Agreed that following receipt of the Local Plan Inspector’s letter (ID47), and having considered the options outlined in Section 7 of this report, that the letter detailed in Appendix 1 is sent to the Inspectors as a response, and that subject to the agreement of the Inspectors the assessment processes referenced in this response are progressed in accordance with the stated Project Plan.

4.     Agreed the new Local Development Scheme (LDS) included as Appendix 2. 5. Agrees that the evidence base supporting the draft Local Plan (2016-2038) is a material consideration in decision making on relevant planning applications, to support the implementation of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. This will include planning applications for new development on sites proposed to be allocated in the submitted version of the Local Plan (2016- 2038)

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services presented the report which provided an update to Cabinet on the implications of the updated National Planning Policy Framework and recommended an approach regarding the current Local Plan Review for the purposes of the examination and decision making on planning applications.

He highlighted the significant impact of the new national standard methodology on Shropshire's housing need and the immediate impact on the Council's ability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

Concern was raised regarding the delays in the local plan process and the need for sufficient resources to address the inspectors' concerns within the six-month deadline was expressed.

A representation from Malcolm Andrew, Chair of the Trefonen Rural Protection Group, was received emphasising the need for an up-to-date local plan and adequate resources for the planning policy team.

The planning team were thanked for their work.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Noted the implications of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in particular regarding the increased local housing need in Shropshire as a result of the associated updated national standard methodology; the implications for managing development in the Green Belt; and the transitional arrangements for plan making.

2.    Noted that as a result of the new local housing need figure calculated as required by the updated NPPF, Shropshire cannot currently demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites.

3.    Agreed that following receipt of the Local Plan Inspector’s letter (ID47), and having considered the options outlined in Section 7 of this report, that the letter detailed in Appendix 1 is sent to the Inspectors as a response, and that subject to the agreement of the Inspectors the assessment processes referenced in this response are progressed in accordance with the stated Project Plan.

4.    Agreed the new Local Development Scheme (LDS) included as Appendix 2. 5. Agrees that the evidence base supporting the draft Local Plan (2016-2038) is a material consideration in decision making on relevant planning applications, to support the implementation of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. This will include planning applications for new development on sites proposed to be allocated in the submitted version of the Local Plan (2016- 2038)