Decision details

Temporary changes in respect of publicity for planning policy documents and planning applications during the COVID-19 crisis.

That the Temporary Changes Addendum be approved and

published alongside the Bracknell Forest Statement of Community

Involvement (2014).

National Planning Practice Guidance1 requires local planning authorities to assess

their SCIs to identify whether elements are inconsistent with public health guidelines

and restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any temporary

amendments that are necessary should then be made. The Bracknell Forest SCI has

been reviewed and areas have been identified where it is considered necessary to

make temporary amendments to enable plan making and other activities to continue.

The main alternative is not to publish the “Addendum” to the SCI but to rely on the

adopted SCI. However as set out in paragraph 3.1 above, the Council is unable to

meet its full consultation and engagement commitments during the COVID-19

pandemic. This could potentially result in failure of the Central and Eastern Berkshire

Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan and the Bracknell Forest Local Plan to meet the

legal compliance test on Examination and expose the Council to the risk of legal

challenges. It is considered that approval and publication of the “Addendum” is the

most appropriate option.

None

None.