Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)         note the update provided in the report and the role of the Planning Committee and Director – Planning & Growth in responding on behalf of the Council as Local Planning Authority; and

b)         authorise delegated authority to the Director of Resources/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Performance & Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development, to issue consultation responses in relation to the Council’s interests as affected landowner and any other executive functions if required, on behalf of the Council to the Development Consent Order process, with any final financial and/or physical works settlement to be brought back to Cabinet.

The Director – Planning & Growth presented a report which provided an update on the A46 Newark Bypass, including the decision-making process for the project as one of several Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects the Council would be involved with in the coming years. The report also set out the process for the Development Consent Order required and the associated role for the local planning authority, and the consequential impacts for the Council as landowner along the preferred A46 route.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)         note the update provided in the report and the role of the Planning Committee and Director – Planning & Growth in responding on behalf of the Council as Local Planning Authority; and

b)         authorise delegated authority to the Director of Resources/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Performance & Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development, to issue consultation responses in relation to the Council’s interests as affected landowner and any other executive functions if required, on behalf of the Council to the Development Consent Order process, with any final financial and/or physical works settlement to be brought back to Cabinet.

Reasons for Decision:

To keep Members updated on the A46 Bypass proposals and the requirements upon the Council to respond as both Local Planning Authority and affected landowner.

Options considered:

The A46 Newark Bypass proposals have long been an important aspiration of the Government’s National Road Investment Strategy (RIS), an aspiration supported by a raft of partners including this Council, Midlands Connect, Nottinghamshire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and a number of highway, LEP and Local Planning Authorities from the Humber Ports to Tewkesbury. There is no alternative but for this Council to engage, both as Local Planning Authority and affected landowner.

Options available to the Council as landowner as explored further in the report.