The report seeks approval to release the draft plan for public consultation for a period of 8 weeks commencing July 2017.

1.      That the draft Local Plan, attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved for the purpose of public consultation.

2.      To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to make any necessary minor amendments to the Draft Plan prior to public consultation.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that presented the consultation draft of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan.  The report sought approval to release the draft Local Plan for public consultation for a period of 8 weeks commencing 4 July 2017. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Regeneration confirmed that in producing the draft Planand releasing it for consultation, the Council had complied with Regulation 18  of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and followed the National Planning Policy Framework.  The draft Plan was flexible in order to respond to any changes the Government might make to the calculation of future housing need. The draft Plan emphasised the importance of critical infrastructure being in place ahead of development.  The Highways Agencyare exploring options to improve the A1 and the Government were promotingan East West Rail link. 

The number of additional homes provided for in the draft Plan of between 20,000 to 30,000, covered a 20 year period.  A number of options for growth locations had been included so that these could be considered further following the public consultation and any technical evidence provided in order to identify the best locations once precise housing numbers had been determined.  The Shaping Central Bedfordshire consultation in 2016 and the subsequent Community Planning events had contributed to the proposed draft Local Plan.  Full public consultation would be carried out and there was a specific event for town and parish councils.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council had an up to date plan in place to guide development and plan for infrastructure, homes and jobs for Central Bedfordshire residents.  Failure to have an up to date plan would risk Government intervention and loss of control over development. 

RESOLVED

1.      that the draft Local Plan, attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved for the purpose of public consultation; and

2.     to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to make any necessary minor amendments to the Draft Plan prior to public consultation.