To update Members on the latest situation for Neighbourhood Planning in Central Bedfordshire and set out the statutory processes involved.

To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to:

1.    publish submitted Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders for comment;

2.    appoint an Examiner in conjunction with the relevant body;

3.    submit the documentation for Examination;

4.    following Successful Examination, proceed to eferendum; and

5.    to ‘Make’ the Plan or Order, subject to the statutory stages as set out in paragraph 7 in the report and the outcome of the referendum.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that provided an update on Neighbourhood Planning in Central Bedfordshire and set out the statutory processes involved.  Currently sixteen Neighbourhood Areas had been designated and at least six parishes were well advanced with plans.  It was anticipated that at least two draft plans would be published by parish councils in the next few months. 

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Regeneration explained that it was for parish councils to propose the composition of a Neighbourhood Area.

Reason for decision:  The Council needs a process in place to make the Plan or Order, following the statutory stages as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to:

1.    publish submitted Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders for comment;

2.    appoint an Examiner in conjunction with the relevant body;

3.    submit the documentation for Examination;

4.    following Successful Examination, proceed to a referendum; and

5.    to ‘Make’ the Plan or Order, subject to the statutory stages as set out in paragraph 7 in the report and the outcome of the referendum.