Decision details

To note the findings of a number of studies, and to agree that revised options, which take account of these studies, should be used in the preparation of a Consequences Study; to agree the brief and timetable for the Consequences Study; and to agree a new Local Development Scheme which sets out the timetable for the next stages of preparing the Local Plan.

Further to Minute No. 123 of the meeting held on 1 March 2012, the Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Built Environment on the outcome of key studies which had been undertaken on employment land and premises issues, the Council’s housing requirements and agricultural land issues, to assist in the preparation of the Local Plan for Sefton.  The report also included the proposed brief for a Consequences Study and the updated timetable for the Local Plan.

This was a Key Decision and was included in the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Decisions Made:

(1)       the findings of the studies referred to in the report be accepted for the purposes of carrying out a Consequences Study;

(2)       approval be given to the updated housing figures, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report for use in the Consequences Study;

(3)       the brief for the Consequences Study, as set out in Annex 1 to the report be approved, subject to any minor alterations that may be necessary, to be delegated to the Head of Planning Services;

(4)       the revised Local Development Scheme setting out the updated timetable for preparing the Local Plan, as set out in section 5 of the report be approved; and

(5)       the use of the Planning Advisory Service to provide critical advice at key stages of Sefton’s Local Plan be endorsed.

Reasons for Decisions:

To inform Members of the results of the key studies and to agree the next steps in the preparation of the Local Plan.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.