Issue - meetings

To consider the head of policy and programme’s report. 

Cabinet considered the head of policy and programmes’ report.  This proposed the adoption of a joint statement of community involvement as part of work on a joint local plan with Vale of White Horse District Council.  The statement set out how the council would engage when preparing planning policy documents, including neighbourhood planning, and the support the council offered to neighbourhood planninggroups.  The statement also set out how the council would consult on planning applications, and included information on the pre-application advice, planning appeals and planning enforcement. 

The statement had been through a public consultation, the feedback from which was largely positive.  Some changes had been made, as set out in appendix 1 to the report. 

The Joint Scrutiny Committee had given its support to the statement, including the consultation arrangements.  Some strengthening of the language used, and some additional signposting were suggestions made by the committee; these suggestions would be taken on board by officers before publication. 

Cabinet also supported the joint statement, especially the move to include digital engagement. 

RESOLVED: to

(a)       adopt the statement of community involvement, subject to the amendments set out in the head of policy and programme’s report and appendix 1 to Cabinet on 2 December 2021; and

(b)       authorise the head of policy and programmes, in consultation with the Cabinet member for planning, to make the changes set out in the report and appendix 1 and any other minor changes, typographical corrections or non-material amendments to the statement of community involvement prior to publication.