To agree the publication of the updated Local Development Scheme to reflect current progress and anticipated timescales.

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the timetable for producing a new Local Plan. An update was required to reflect delays in the timetable as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, new or updated policy and guidance and change in the political administration of Spelthorne Borough Council last year. 

The Committee asked questions about the Local Plan timetable, and at what stage the Planning Inspector would raise queries or concerns about the content of the proposed Local Plan.  Also, if there was a point when the policies in the emerging plan would begin to carry more weight in the decision-making process for planning applications. 

In response, the Committee were advised that if the Inspector had any fundamental concerns, they would be flagged after the submission date but well in advance of the Examination to allow an opportunity to review any areas of concern.  They were also advised that at the point of Reg.19, Public Consultation on Publication Local Plan, scheduled for February - March 2022, the policies in the emerging plan would begin to carry some weight; and the closer to the adoption date, the greater the weight placed on them.

It was observed that there was potentially a period where planning decisions would have to be made when emerging policies would only have limited weight.  Heather Morgan, Group Head of Regeneration and Growth, acknowledged this was a valid point, but all local plans must go through the same process.

It was requested that reference to the Spelthorne Development Framework key dates for the adoption of the Spelthorne Development Framework be made clearer in the timetable.

It was noted that the proposed Local Plan Adoption date was after the next local election and officers were asked if the date could be brought forward.  The Committee was advised that if it was possible to accelerate the process that would be done. 

The Committee resolved to agree the publication of the updated Local Development Scheme.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered. 

Reason for decision:

The LDS is a regulatory requirement so it must be maintained and it is not an option to decline to update it.