Agenda item

To present the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of Burnley’s Local Plan (Appendix 1) and to seek the Executive’s support for a recommendation to Full Council to adopt the modified Plan (Appendix 2) and associated Policies Map (Appendix 3).

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to present to members the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of Burnley’s Local Plan (Appendix 1) and to seek the Executive’s support for a recommendation to Full Council to adopt the modified Plan (Appendix 2) and associated Policies Map (Appendix 3).

Reasons for decision

Local Authorities are effectively required by legislation to prepare a Local Plan to set the local planning framework for their district. The current Burnley Local Plan Second Review adopted in 2006 was intended to cover the period until 2016. Its policies have been ‘saved’ indefinitely by the Secretary of State until such time as a new plan is put in place. Whilst saved and remaining in force at present, its policies are now ‘time expired’ and do not fully address current or future development needs.

Failure to have an up to date local plan in place limits the Council’s ability to influence the quantum, location and quality of development in its area. The Government have made clear that they expect Council’s to have an up to date local plan in place and are considering intervention for those Councils that do not have at least a plan setting out their strategic policies.

Burnley’s Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State on 20th July 2017. Mr Kevin Ward BA (Hons) MRTPI was appointed by the Secretary of State to conduct the Examination into the soundness and legal compliance of the Plan, including the Duty to Cooperate.

Following the Examination, the Inspector has issued his final Report. He has concluded that the Plan is legally compliant and can be made sound with the ‘main modifications’ recommended in his report. While the local planning authority is not legally required to adopt its Local Plan following examination, the government makes clear in its planning practice guidance that the plan “will have been through a significant process locally to engage communities and other interests in discussions about the future of the area, and it is to be expected that the authority will proceed quickly with adopting a plan that has been found sound.”

Should the Council resolve to adopt the Plan, it can only adopt the Plan in accordance with the Inspector’s recommendations.

Decision

(1)  That Full Council be recommended to adopt Burnley’s Local Plan;and

(2)  That Full Council be recommended to authorise the Strategic Head of Economy and Growth to make minor editorial amendments and corrections to the Local Plan, the accompanying Policies Map and any other relevant documents prior to printing