URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1124

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: This report seeks approval for a new governance and delegation pathway to support the preparation of the "Fenland 50" Local Plan (2025–2050). Following the Council’s resolution in December 2025 to withdraw the previous draft plan, the Council has transitioned to the "new style" plan-making system introduced by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.   The 2026 Regulations mandate a strict 30-month preparation "clock" and a digital-first approach. To meet the scheduled submission date prior to March 2028, the Council requires an agile decision-making structure. This report proposes delegating authority for technical milestones to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and senior officers, while reserving major strategic policy decisions for Cabinet and Full Council. This ensures the Council can move at the necessary pace while maintaining effective democratic oversight.  

Content: This report seeks approval for a new governance and delegation pathway to support the preparation of the "Fenland 50" Local Plan (2025–2050). Following the Council’s resolution in December 2025 to withdraw the previous draft plan, the Council has transitioned to the "new style" plan-making system introduced by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.   The 2026 Regulations mandate a strict 30-month preparation "clock" and a digital-first approach. To meet the scheduled submission date prior to March 2028, the Council requires an agile decision-making structure. This report proposes delegating authority for technical milestones to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and senior officers, while reserving major strategic policy decisions for Cabinet and Full Council. This ensures the Council can move at the necessary pace while maintaining effective democratic oversight.   Members considered the Local Plan Engagement and Governance report presented by Councillor Boden on behalf of Councillor Mrs Laws.   Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to: a)    Note the progress made in commencing the “Fenland 50” Local Plan under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 (the “2026 Regulations”), following the publication of the Notice of Intention to Commence (Regulation 19). b)   Revoke the existing Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and replace it with a new Local Plan Engagement Strategy and Neighbourhood Planning Protocol. This ensures compliance with the new digital-first participation standards required by the 2026 Regulations and wider national planning reforms. c)    Delegate authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to maintain and publish the Local Plan Timetable in accordance with Regulation 8 of the 2026 Regulations. d)   Delegate authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to approve the consultation materials and launch the Statutory Scoping Consultation in May 2026, as required by Regulation 20 of the 2026 Regulations. e)    Delegate authority to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to approve and submit all documents required for each Gateway stage, including the Gateway 1 Self-Assessment of Readiness (Regulation 21), responses to official Gateway advice, and any technical data packages needed to progress the 30-month timeline. f)     Agree the approval route for the mandatory consultation stages: ·         Consultation on Proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence (Regulation 23): Initial proposals (6 weeks) to be approved by Cabinet. ·         Consultation on the Proposed Local Plan (Regulation 27): The Publication Draft Plan (8 weeks) to be approved by Full Council. g)   Agree that a Member Seminar will be held following each statutory Gateway stage (Regulations 21, 26 and 31) to ensure Members are briefed on the observations and advice received from the appointed person (the Inspector) and the requirements for the subsequent preparation phase.

Date of Decision: April 27, 2026