Decision details

A proposed way forward to further formalise our duty to cooperate on planning, housing and community issues

The Cabinet Members agree that the principle of strengthening the existing Planning Housing and Communities Board to become a Committee subject to the production and agreement of a Joint Working Legal Agreement and to also agree in principle that officers work to formulate Terms of Reference for the Committee

The Duty to Co-operate is a statutory duty under the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

The endorsement of the Planning Housing and Communities Committee will allow the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting its duties under Section 110 of the Localism Act.

The Council will benefit from direct engagement through on-going collaboration in identifying and delivering the levels of growth in the Authorities’ Local Plans.

Inspectors at Examination in Public are testing the soundness of development plans and being able to demonstrate that we are meeting the Duty to Cooperate is a key component in this Council undertaking a future review of its Core Strategy and in relation to the adoption of future Development Plan Documents.