Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Council considered a report of the Director of Planning and Property that provided members with an update on housing numbers in relation to the Central Lancashire Local Plan and sought approval to agree a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the approach to be taken across Central Lancashire.

Supplementary information that included the consultation responses that had been received was also provided for Members.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal, Councillor Bill Evans explained that Housing numbers are a keystone of the Planning system and will be one of the key issues for the new Central Lancashire Local Plan. The current housing requirement for Central Lancashire dates back to the Regional Spatial Strategy of 2008 with evidence for that dating back to 2003.The recent Government Standard Method has provided a new approach that has been developed further by new evidence. Given that the new Local Plan will not be adopted for at least two years, it is imperative that a Memorandum of Understanding between the three Central Lancashire authorities is agreed to cover the interim period.

The Leader of the Opposition commented that it was the Conservative Groups opinion that because of Purdah, the item should not have been presented on the agenda and that Members of her Group would not debate the proposal or take part in any vote.

It was proposed by Councillor Bill Evans, seconded by Councillor Paul Foster and subsequently

RESOLVED (For: 25)

1.    That the decision whether to approve the revised MOU be delegated to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal following completion and consideration of a detailed responses report.

2.    That if approved, the Council will formally adopt the MOU upon formal approval by all three Central Lancashire Councils.