URL: https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3445

Decision Maker: Environment and Communities Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To provide an update to members on the progress in delivering the new Local Plan.

Content: The committee considered a report on the progress in delivering the new Local Plan.   The Committee received an update on the preparation of the new Local Plan under the provisions of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. It was noted that the new style plan would be subject to forthcoming regulations, expected by the end of the year, and that the process was anticipated to take approximately 30 months. The approach would be digitally focused, with opportunities for face-to-face engagement, and much of the evidence base would be prescribed nationally.   The committee were informed that the Local Plan would cover a minimum 15-year period and would address significant increases in housing need following recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. The updated requirement for Cheshire East is 2,603 homes per year, compared to the previous figure of 1,800, which necessitates a further call for sites to ensure sufficient land availability. It was noted that sites submitted through the call for sites process have no planning status and do not imply allocation or consent.   The Committee was advised that delegated authority was sought for operational elements of the plan-making process, such as evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement, while key decisions on draft and final plans would remain with Members. A Members’ Reference Group would continue to provide oversight and ensure transparency.   The committee raised questions on the rationale for a further call for sites, the inclusion of Council-owned land such as car parks, and the implications of recent policy changes. Officers confirmed that the updated National Planning Policy Framework and increased housing requirement justified a new call for sites. Officers committed to providing written clarification on specific submissions including car parks.    The committee queried the review of Green Belt and Grey Belt land. The committee were informed that the work was being commissioned for assessment of the land and will provide a further update on the expected timescales but that the target was by the middle of the next year. It was noted that individual planning applications would continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis during this process.   The committee raised concerns such as the Jodrell Bank consultation zone, the potential impact on housing numbers, and whether sites already subject to planning applications were included in the list. The committee were updated that many sites had progressed through the development management process since the previous call for sites and reiterated that inclusion in the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) does not determine planning status.   The committee emphasised the importance of providing clear public communication to avoid misunderstanding about the purpose of the call for sites. Officers agreed to consider issuing a press release to clarify that no decisions on site allocations were being made at this meeting.   The Committee acknowledged the need to progress the Local Plan swiftly to maintain control over development and ensure sustainable growth.     An amendment to recommendation 2 was proposed, seconded and carried unanimously:   Agree to delegate the following decisions associated with the production of the Council’s New Local Plan to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Opposition Spokesperson of the Environment and Communities Committee.     A further amendment to add a recommendation was proposed and seconded and carried unanimously;   To agree a consultation mechanism in which all elected members are engaged in the site collection for their ward and will be fed into the Local Plan Member Reference group.     RESOLVED (unanimously):   That the Environment and Communities Committee:   1. Agree to publicise and undertake a further call for sites.   2. Agree to delegate the following decisions associated with the production of the Council’s New Local Plan to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Opposition Spokesperson of the Environment and Communities Committee. The delegation is proposed to be limited to the following: a. Decisions to engage and consult with stakeholders on activities which support the production of the New Local Plan (workshops and focus groups for example) b. Decisions to publish documents and material which support the production of the New Local Plan (including evidence and draft plans that set out options), and seek feedback on their content The following are proposed to be exempt from the delegation: i. Consultation on a final draft New Local Plan ii. Submission of the New Local Plan to government iii. Submission of the post-examination New Local Plan to Council for consideration to approve 3. Agree a consultation mechanism in which all elected members are engaged in the site collection for their ward and will be fed into the Local Plan Member Reference group.  

Date of Decision: November 13, 2025