Decision details

The Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan (Submission version) – consultation on Main Modifications

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Planning and Transport

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval to consult on Main Modifications to the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan (Submission version) and associated documents for a statutory period of at least six weeks.

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

1          the Proposed Main Modifications (attached as Appendix 1) to the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Submission version), Policies Map and supporting documents together with the schedule of Additional Modifications be approved.

 

2          The consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications (attached as Appendix 1) to the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Submission version), Policies Map and supporting documents for a period of at least six weeks be approved.

 

3          That the Executive Director Place Planning and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport agree any further changes to the Proposed Main Modifications that are recommended by the Inspectors, prior to public consultation.

Reasons for the decision:

1          As part of the examination process, the Inspectors must judge whether the CEBJMWP is ‘sound’ as set out in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2021 (positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy). It is now clear that Main Modifications are required in order to make the the plan sound and ultimately ensure that the Council has an up to date and robust planning framework to guide development which reflects current national policy and guidance.

 

2          All Proposed Main Modifications and associated SA/SEA and HRA documents must be subject to public consultation before the Inspectors can make recommendations on them. Whilst the the Policies Map is not a development plan document, it illustrates geographically the application of policies in the plan. As certain proposed main modifications have geographical consequences, it is necessary to draw the proposed change to what is shown on the Policies Map. To ensure fairness, such proposed changes need to be subject to consultation alongside the Proposed Main Modifications.

Alternative options considered:

The alternative options are to:

(i)         reject some or all of the identified Proposed Main Modifications to the plan; or

(ii)        suggest different or more wide-ranging modifications, beyond those required for soundness.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: The cost of preparing the Central and Eastern Berkshire Minerals and Waste Plan is being shared equally amongst the 4 commissioning authorities. An allocation is specifically made for the project within the Council’s budget.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to the Director of Place, Planning & Regeneration

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Regard needs to be given to the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) and the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (February 2014). Consultation will be undertaken in collaboration with Reading Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Wokingham Borough Council. The Council will seek to use a range of methods of communication having regard to public health guidelines on social distancing at the time of the consultation. These will include setting up an online consultation event (including notification to those on the local plan database), updating information on the Council’s website, providing hard copies of information at locations around the borough (specific libraries, parish/town council offices and Time Square, if open to the public) and putting information on the Council’s social media pages (Facebook and Twitter).

Consultees

• Neighbouring County, District and Borough Councils.
• Specific consultees (such as ‘duty to co-operate’ bodies and specific consultees, including Environment Agency, Natural England and Historic England).
• General consultees (including landowners, the minerals and waste industry and bodies which represent the interests of different groups).

Contact: Andrew Hunter, Executive Director: Place, Planning & Regeneration Email: andrew.hunter@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 351907.

Publication date: 08/02/2022

Date of decision: 08/02/2022

Effective from: 16/02/2022