URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1065

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:   In February 2019, Fenland District Council agreed to prepare a new Local Plan. Progress has been slower than expected since publication of the Draft Local Plan due to the uncertainty created by ongoing national planning reforms, Covid 19, updated flood-risk data, resourcing and procurement challenges, and the potential for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). It is now necessary to rethink our approach to ensure Fenland continues to have a strong voice after LGR.   This report therefore recommends formally withdrawing the Draft Fenland Local Plan (2019–2040) and beginning work on a new Local Plan under the new plan making system introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. Much of the work done to date can be updated and carried forward into this new process.   The new Plan will provide a more streamlined, responsive, and forward-looking framework that reflects local priorities and clearly articulates the district’s ambitions. It will place people and place at its core—ensuring future development supports quality homes, good jobs, town centres, services, and resilient communities. It will also have a facilitative and inward investment focus which is increasingly important given the sluggish national economic context.  

Content:   In February 2019, Fenland District Council agreed to prepare a new Local Plan. Progress has been slower than expected since publication of the Draft Local Plan due to the uncertainty created by ongoing national planning reforms, Covid 19, updated flood-risk data, resourcing and procurement challenges, and the potential for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). It is now necessary to rethink our approach to ensure Fenland continues to have a strong voice after LGR.   This report therefore recommends formally withdrawing the Draft Fenland Local Plan (2019–2040) and beginning work on a new Local Plan under the new plan making system introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. Much of the work done to date can be updated and carried forward into this new process.   The new Plan will provide a more streamlined, responsive, and forward-looking framework that reflects local priorities and clearly articulates the district’s ambitions. It will place people and place at its core—ensuring future development supports quality homes, good jobs, town centres, services, and resilient communities. It will also have a facilitative and inward investment focus which is increasingly important given the sluggish national economic context.   AGREED to recommend to Council that they: a)    Withdraw the emerging Fenland Local Plan 2021-2040 b)    Commence the production of a new Local Plan under the new system to be completed by March 2028 that will cover the period 2025 to 2050 once the new plan making regulations are published. c)    Delegate authority to the Head of Planning in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to publish and keep up to date a new Local Development Scheme.

Date of Decision: December 15, 2025