To set out the timetable and content of Development Plans for Central Bedfordshire including Gypsy and Traveller provision.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the Development Strategy be withdrawn and the legal proceedings be discontinued.

RESOLVED

1.      that work commence immediately on a new plan-making process; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business and the Executive Member for Regeneration to approve the Local Development Scheme and any consequent amendments.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that proposed that the Council withdraw the Development Strategy and discontinue legal proceedings.  The local planning situation had changed following a report from the Office for National Statistics which had published new population projections.  This had led to the Development Strategy and the subsequent Allocations Local Plan being out of date.

The Secretary of State had confirmed that he would not call-in the Houghton Regis North 2 application, leaving the Council free to grant planning permission for this proposal.  This meant that together with the East Leighton Linslade and Houghton Regis North 1 developments, the majority of the large scale developments that had been proposed in the Development Strategy would be implemented, helping the Council’s five year housing land supply position.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council retained control of growth and the provision of associated infrastructure.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the Development Strategy be withdrawn and the legal proceedings be discontinued.

RESOLVED

1.      that work commence immediately on a new plan-making process; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business and the Executive Member for Regeneration to approve the Local Development Scheme and any consequent amendments.