Decision details

To consider and agree the options for the Regulation 18 consultation on the new Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan and to update the Local Development Scheme.

(1)  To agree the spatial priorities of the Local Plan as set out in Appendix 1 of the report for public engagement, particularly to support a fairer, more prosperous and sustainable economy and provide for more housing that is affordable.

(2)  To agree the policy and development location options set out in Appendix 1 of the report (Local Plan Options Consultation Document) as the basis for public engagement.

(3)  To agree the revisions to the B&NES Local Development Scheme outlined in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

(4)  To agree and authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to carry out the approach to public engagement in Section 10 of the report.

(5)  To delegate authority to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, to agree textual changes in finalising the Local Plan Options consultation document and the revised Local Development Scheme.

The preparation of a Local Plan enables high quality development to be delivered in a planning and co-ordinated way that will help the council to meet its priorities e.g. related to moving towards and maintaining a prosperous, greener and fairer economy, providing affordable housing, moving towards carbon neutrality and better addressing the ecological emergency.  It also enables delivery of development to be aligned with infrastructure provision that can be funded or part funded by developer contributions.  The council publicised its intention to prepare a new Local Plan by publishing the Local Plan 2022-2042 Launch Document in November 2022.  The Launch Document outlined the proposed plan period (twenty year to 2042); scope of the Local Plan; and the arrangements for preparing it.

None, given that preparation of a Local Plan covering the district is a statutory requirement.