The Cabinet has decided to approve the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication on the council's website.

URL: https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5486

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive that was seeking approval of the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper, for publication on the council’s website, to assist in the interpretation and implementation of existing planning policies in Oldham’s Local Plan. The Interim Planning Position Paper supported the implementation of policy 23 ‘Open Spaces and Sports’ within Oldham's Local Plan – The Joint Core Strategy and Development Management Development Plan Document, adopted November 2011. This paper superseded the previous ‘Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper’ published by the council in March 2012. The submitted report established the council's updated position in relation to open space policy, including the threshold for policy application, the seeking of new and enhanced open space and playing pitches and outdoor sports provision. It was intended to be read alongside the Local Plan as a whole, but in particular - Local Plan Policy 23 ‘Open Spaces and Sports’. It should also be read alongside Places for Everyone (PfE) policy JP-P7 ‘Sport and Recreation’. The submitted report was also informed by the council’s Open Space Study (2022) and the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy (PPOSS) (2025) as key evidence-based documents. The Cabinet report provided updated evidence to inform the interpretation and implementation of the policies in Oldham’s Local Plan. It was a material consideration and was intended to be used in decision making as appropriate. The council's approach to updated national guidance and local evidence was to be considered further and to inform policy preparation as part of the Local Plan Review.    Options/alternatives considered: Option 1 - To approve the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication on the council’s website, to assist in the interpretation and implementation of policy 23 ‘Open Spaces and Sports’ in Oldham’s Local Plan. The advantages to Option 1 were that approving the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication would ensure effective and consistent decision-making which is in line with local evidence and local and national planning policy. It will provide guidance to developers and planning officers on the interpretation and implementation of open space policy within the current Local Plan. There were no reported disadvantages to Option 1. Option 2 - To not approve the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication on the council’s website. There were no reported advantages to Option 2. The disadvantages to Option 2 were that not approving the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication could affect consistent decision-making and adversely impact the effective implementation of local planning policy. Option 1 was the preferred Option.   The Cabinet was informed that as this matter was a key decision, the proposal will be considered by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board at its meeting on 24th July 2025, which was after this Cabinet meeting.  It was therefore proposed that the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, be granted delegated authority to take the final decision on the delegation, having considered any comments made thereon by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board on 24th July 2025.   Resolved: That the Cabinet: 1.    Approves the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication on the council’s website, to assist in the interpretation and implementation of existing planning policies in Oldham’s Local Plan. 2.    Notes that the item will be exempt from call-in, under Rule 14 of the Constitution, as the matter will be considered by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board on 24th July 2025. 3.    Grant delegated authority to the Statutory Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, to take the final decision on approval of the Open Space Interim Planning Position Paper for publication, having considered any comments made by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board on 24th July 2025.

Date of Decision: July 21, 2025