Agenda item

Kirsty Paul (KP), the Planning Policy Manager provided the Forum with an update concerning the Local Plan.

She explained that a Local Development Scheme has been drafted which is still awaiting the sign off from members and once signed off an updated LDS will be published on the website.

KP explained that we are currently out to consultation on the sustainability appraisal scoping update. KP added that the reason for the update is due to the fact  that the previous version is over 5 years old and there have been a number of changes in legislation and environmental material considerations. Primarily views are being sought from Statutory Consultees including the EA, Historic England and Natural England but anyone can submit representations to that consultation.

KP added that the main focus for the team is around commissioning new evidence and as the NPFF has been published, the transitional arrangements have been set out. She explained that there is now a clear direction of where the gaps are and what needs to be worked on in order to reach the Regulation 19.

KP stated the over the coming months there is going to be further work undertaken with Members to ensure that their current priorities are being reflected and looking at the definition of what good growth means for Fenland.

The Fenland Reservoir had not been factored into the previous draft plan with and therefore the plan period has been extended to 2050 so that the longer large-scale projects which are likely to have an impact on parts of the district.

KP added that over the coming months a further call for sites process will be undertaken and she will be actively encouraging those people who have previously submitted sites to resubmit them and there will be slight adjustments to the form when it is circulated. She added that the main focus is to ensure an up-to-date position with regards to availability and achievability.KP explained that details with regards to the time frames are still to be confirmed as consideration needs to be taken with regards to the pre-election period.

GST asked than with regards to the call for sites are additional sites, different sites or is a general review of the ones which are currently draft allocated. KP explained that at the current time the draft plan holds no status in terms of site allocations and sites can change between Regulation 18 and 19.She added tat it is helpful to receive an up-to-date position with regards to availability and achievability but there may also be sites which have not been looked at and have since now become available which are worth consideration. KP stated that the EA are releasing new flood risk mapping in the Spring and as a result of that, the suitability assessments of all existing sites will have to be reviewed anyway. She made the point that there needs to be a full understanding around what sites are being actively promoted in the district and timeframes that those sites could potentially come forward.

DB  asked for an indication of when Regulation 19 will be reached.KP explained that it is very much dependent on the technical evidence and what the evidence says as well as how materially different we have to be in terms of particular policy positions or site allocations. KP stated that currently there is no intention to undertake a formal Regulation 18 Consultation, and it is hoped to have some focus engagement points which will take us in Regulation 19. She added that if there is the need to have a formal engagement point it will mean that Regulation 19 draft is slightly delayed. KP explained at it is likely to be Spring/Summer 2026  due to the fact that some of the studies which need to be undertaken specifically with regards to environmental factors will require 2 survey periods. She stated that is likely to be some targeted engagement under Regulation 18 with a view to Regulation 19 consultation following next year.