Report of the Central Lancashire Planning Policy Officers (enclosed).

The Committee received the confidential report outlining the draft Issues and Options Consultation paper, and details of the approval process which included presentation to the three Executive Cabinets of Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.

Due to the date of the Executive Cabinet Meeting in Preston and taking into account the call-in period, the committee were advised that the consultation would now run from Monday, 18 November 2019 to Friday, 14 February 2020.

‘Citizenspace’, an online consultation portal, would be used to undertake the consultation, although hard copy responses would also be accepted. Online responses would be encouraged via drop-in sessions with technology available. A detailed programme of consultation would be issued to help those completing the consultation.

Officers proposed the use of a Developer Forum for developers, land owners, RPs and planning agents to hear about the new Local Plan as it emerges and provide input. These were common practice for councils engaging in the development of a new Local Plan. Expressions of interest had been sought from stakeholders on the mailing list and at the time of the meeting there was approximately 50 interested in participating in the forum.

Decision:

1.    To endorse the draft Issues and Options Paper

2.    To agree that the proposed Issues and Options Consultation Paper be presented to the three Cabinets at Preston, Chorley and South Ribble for approval.

3.    To endorse the approach to the Issues and Options Consultation including the timescales and communication and engagement methods, including the Developer Forum.