URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1971

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to seek Cabinet’s approval to undertake consultation of a draft version of the reviewed local plan and seeks delegated authority for the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection in consultation with the Economy Portfolio Holder to allow minor editorial amendments to the Draft Plan prior to publication.   The report explained that the Darlington Local Plan was adopted in February 2022 which covered the period of 2016 to 2036, the Local Plan is up to date and not due to be reviewed until it is 5 years old. It stated whilst the plan remained up to date there were benefits to reviewing the plan earlier. The benefits of the earlier review included; most policies remained up to date and therefore have not needed to be revisited or updated, Evidence based updates only needed to reflect reviewed policy areas, Avoids uncertainty around the preparation of ‘new style’ local plans which are due to commence later this year, it is a quicker and more cost effective process than to develop a new plan and that sufficient land allocations for housing had already been identified in the existing plan to meet most of the need required in an extended plan period for 2042.   The report stated that the draft of this reviewed plan had been prepared and approval is sought to consult for the 6-week minimum period which will involve writing to all parties on the Local Plan consultation database, Parish Councillors and Statutory Consultees. It was explained that the Local Plan provides vision as a guide for delivery of sustainable development over the next 15 years. It’s about planning for residents’ future needs in terms of housing and about how it protects and nurtures our local development whilst it provides these homes, the workplace of the future and leisure.   It was clarified that the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection will make arrangements for consultations on the plan in line with the Council's Statement of Community Involvement.   RESOLVED- It was recommended that Cabinet: -   (a)    Agreed to consult on the draft of the updated Local Plan 2026 – 2042   (b)   Agreed a six-week period of consultation.   (c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection, in consultation with the Economy Portfolio Holder, to make any minor changes to the documents referred to above before they are finally published.     REASON - The recommendations were supported by the following reasons: -   (a)    Local Planning Authorities must prepare a Local Plan that sets out the local planning policies for their local planning authority area. Government guidance requires that Local Plans must be positively prepared, justified, effective and be consistent with national policy, in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026