Issue - meetings

That Cabinet approve:

a)       the proposed consultation responses as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

b)       the proposed final Methodology Document as set out at Appendix 2 to the report; and

c)      a ‘Call of Sites’ exercise to be undertaken in the Summer 2025.

The Business Manager – Planning Policy & Infrastructure presented a report which sought approval for the proposed Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) Methodology prior to carrying out a ‘Call for Sites’ exercise. The draft SHELAA Methodology was consulted on between 7 April and 19 May 2025 and the responses received were set out in Appendix 1 to the report, the SHELAA Methodology Post Consultation Statement. Several minor amendments were made to the draft document in response to representations, and these were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

The ‘call for sites’ exercise was where the Local Planning Authority invited landowners, developers and the public to put sites forward for consideration in the new Local Plan to meet the future needs of the area. The sites submitted would then be assessed using the SHELAA Methodology.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet approve:

a)       the proposed consultation responses as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

b)       the proposed final Methodology Document as set out at Appendix 2 to the report; and

c)        a ‘Call of Sites’ exercise to be undertaken in the Summer 2025.

Reasons for Decision:

To allow the District Council to approve the SHELAA Methodology and undertake a ‘Call for Sites’ exercise.

Options Considered:

Cabinet has already approved the production of a new SHELAA Methodology therefore no alternative options have been considered.