Decision details

The report referred to the Neighbourhood Planning Toolkit which had been updated to cover neighbourhood planning across Greater Cambridge.

The toolkit reflected national and local changes and requirements and provided up to date guidance that was effective in supporting neighbourhood forums and parish councils. It had been amended to be more user friendly, with the Toolkit now all being in one document with accompanying appendices.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure

      i.          Agreed the updated version of the Neighbourhood Planning Toolkit (2024) (attached at Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report) for use in supporting communities producing neighbourhood plans, and for publication on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website.

     ii.          Agreed that any future minor amendments required to the Toolkit to keep it up to date, such as updates to links, legislation and other guidance, be delegated to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, and agreed that any material amendments that are required to keep the Toolkit up to date be delegated to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure, the Chair and Opposition Spokespersons.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Principal Planning Policy Officer.

In response to Members’ questions the Principal Planning Policy Officer said the following:

      i.          Welcomed Members comments that the updated toolkit was a positive and sensible approach in the development of supporting those who wished to produce neighbourhood plans. 

The Committee endorsed the recommendations by 6 votes to 0 with 1 abstention.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.