URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5569

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to set out the first steps in preparing a Local Plan under the new plan-making system, and to seek Members’ approval for the following:   Revised Local Plan Timetable (replacing the Local Development Scheme); Publish the notice of intention to commence local plan preparation; and Commencing the Scoping Consultation for the draft Local Plan.

Content: The purpose of this report is to set out the first steps in preparing a Local Plan under the new plan-making system, and to seek Members’ approval for the following:   Revised Local Plan Timetable (replacing the Local Development Scheme); Publish the notice of intention to commence local plan preparation; and Commencing the Scoping Consultation for the draft Local Plan. Cabinet approved the following:   1.  The Local Plan Timetable (under Regulation 8 of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026);   2.  To publish the notice of intention to commence local plan preparation (Regulation 19 of the same Regulations); and   3.  The Scoping Consultation for the draft Local Plan (Regulation 20 of the same Regulations). To progress the new Local Plan in a timely way in the new plan-making system; to meet statutory requirements; and to make good progress on a new Local Plan during the period before local government reorganisation. The alternatives are:   1.  To progress the Local Plan as set out in this report; 2.  To delay the progression of the Local Plan; or 3.  Not to progress the Local Plan.   Option 3 would carry a significant risk, because it would put the Council at risk of intervention by the Secretary of State. It would also reduce the extent to which we can promote the needs and interests of Thanet in the long-term, and in particular, through the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) process. Option 2 would be a better alternative, but in order for the draft Plan to have the maximum influence, the sooner preparation commences the better. Options 2 and 3 were rejected for the reasons set out in the report.

Date of Decision: June 2, 2026