Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the updated Local Development Scheme be approved as the basis for preparing local planning policy.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) which provided a brief scope and timetable for the preparation of Council planning policy documents including the emerging Exeter Plan (the new Local Plan). The report adhered to the new Government national planning reforms requiring Councils to review and update their timetables for new local plans.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the LDS being a legal requirement outlining planning policy documents and included the Exeter Plan, which was undergoing Regulation 19 consultation, ending on Thursday.6 February 2025;

·         the LDS had been brought back to Members following government reforms requiring an updated version by April 2025. The current version included minor updates, primarily about the Exeter Plan consultation and being set for submission to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2025.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·         enquired about no supplementary planning documents for other Liveable Exeter Sites, given the inclusion of the St Luke's University Campus SPD;

·         enquired on the workload impact to the team relating to the Exeter Plan and SPD efforts; and

·         enquired on any potential conflicts of interest in the development of the St Luke's University Campus SPD, particularly since the process was primarily being managed by an external organisation.

An opposition group leader enquired about the ownership and oversight of the St Luke's University Campus SPD being funded by the university and in ensuring that the Council retained control over the planning document.

In response to questions raised, the Strategic Director for Place advised that:-

·         the St Luke's campus work was being funded by Exeter University, with the local planning team overseeing the consultation process;

·         further SPD work was limited by resources and capacity, but the priority was on the Exeter Plan, which would occupy the team's capacity for the next 18 months and the SPD could not be adopted until the Exeter plan was adopted;

·         the Council would maintain oversight throughout the SPD preparation, ensuring full compliance with policies;

·         Exeter University would be managing community engagement to inform the overall master plan, which would be submitted to the Council for review; and

·         a formal consultation would follow submissions, involving the wider community, in line with the council's consultation charter. The Council would then consider adopting the statements as part of the City Council planning policy document.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the updated Local Development Scheme be approved as the basis for preparing local planning policy.