Decision details

To recommend the Local Plan for adoption by Full Council.

1.    That Cabinet noted the conclusions of the independent Inspector who was appointed to examine the council’s submitted Peterborough Local Plan.

2.   That Cabinet recommended to Council the adoption of the Peterborough Local Plan, incorporating modifications as recommended by the Inspector (‘Main Modifications’) and other minor editorial modifications (‘Additional Modifications’).

3.   That Cabinet noted that should Council adopt the Local Plan, the following council documents would be revoked and must not be used for decision making:

?     Core Strategy DPD (2011),

?     Site Allocations DPD (2012),

?     Planning Policies DPD (2012) and

?     City Centre DPD (2014).

4.   Subject to recommendation 2, that Cabinet recommended that Council endorses the updated ‘Policies Map’ in line with draft maps provided via this agenda report, in order to reflect the policies of the new Local Plan, and the deletion of policies from the above listed revoked documents.

As outlined in the report, Council only has two options available to it; either adopt the document with the modifications or not adopt the document. The former is recommended, as it is a statutory duty to prepare Local Plan, and, in adopting it, Peterborough will have a clear and robust policy document setting out its vision, objectives for the city.

The option of not adopting the Local Plan is not recommended, because in doing so the council could reduce potential investment in Peterborough, including fewer new jobs and homes. If the Local Plan is not adopted the council will be in a position going forward where it will be at risk of being unable to robustly defend its supply of housing sites, and could be subject to speculative applications (especially in and around villages) and challenges at appeal.

None.

None.