URL: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2298

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: In 2024 government issued significant changes to national planning policy and a revised standard method figure of housing need. The revised housing need figure for Bath & North East Somerset is more than double than that of the previous government. As a result the Council decided in 2024 to reset preparation of its Local Plan in order to consider the implications of changed policy and to enable progression towards a sound Local Plan. Resetting the Local Plan requires the Council to prepare and consult on a further set of options for meeting the substantially increased level of housing need, associated job growth and some new policy approaches. The report seeks approval of a reset Local Plan options document for consultation commencing in October this year.

Content: In 2024 government issued significant changes to national planning policy and a revised standard method figure of housing need. The revised housing need figure for Bath & North East Somerset is more than double than that of the previous government. As a result the Council decided in 2024 to reset preparation of its Local Plan in order to consider the implications of changed policy and to enable progression towards a sound Local Plan. Resetting the Local Plan requires the Council to prepare and consult on a further set of options for meeting the substantially increased level of housing need, associated job growth and some new policy approaches. The report seeks approval of a reset Local Plan options document for consultation commencing in October this year. (1)  To approve the Reset Local Plan Options document (Appendix 1 of the report) for public consultation for a period of six weeks from 3rd October to 14th November 2025, subject to the amendments set out in the schedule to the revised officer recommendation.   (2)  To agree and authorise the Executive Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development and Communications and Community, to issue communications relating to the reset Local Plan Options and to undertake consultation as summarised in section 10 of the report and outlined in the communications and engagement plan (Appendix 2 of the report).   (3)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, to agree textual changes to the Options document (Appendix 1 of the report) prior to its publication for consultation.

Date of Decision: September 25, 2025