URL: https://folkestone-hythe.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3408

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Otterpool Park and Planning Policy

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval for the Council to enter into a time-limited Planning Agreement with Homes England. The outcome of this activity will secure the outline planning consent, enable early housing and support the future delivery of Otterpool Park.

Content: This report seeks approval for the Council to enter into a time-limited Planning Agreement with Homes England. The outcome of this activity will secure the outline planning consent, enable early housing and support the future delivery of Otterpool Park. DECISION:   1.          To receive and note report C/25/49. 2.          To note the draft Heads of Terms and governance arrangements which will frame the detailed drafting and negotiation of the Planning Agreement. 3.          To note that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Task & Finish Group have been consulted and are supportive of entering into an Agreement, noting the draft Heads of Terms and governance arrangements. 4.          To agree that the Councilprogresses the detailed drafting and negotiation of, and then subsequently enter into, the Planning Agreement with Homes England based on the draft Heads of Terms detailed in this report. 5.          To agree to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to progress the detailed drafting and negotiation of, then subsequently agree the final terms of the Planning Agreement. 6.          To note that the outcome from the work undertaken through the Planning Collaboration Agreement will be reported to Cabinet as part of future reports on progress to secure additional investment and a strategic joint venture partner to deliver the New Garden Town. 7.          To note that the activities of the OP LLP will continue to be contained within an annual Transition Plan with a supporting budget reported to Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet until such time that the council makes a further decision on the matter.       Reasons for decision:   This report follows an earlier decision in December 2024 (Report C/24/61) agreeing that the Council enter into a Collaboration Agreement with Homes England aimed at securing the delivery of Otterpool Park.  Entering into a further agreement, which is focused on securing outline planning consent and enabling early housing delivery, is a key step in continuing the Council’s collaborative working with Homes England.

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025