Agenda item

The Reigate and Banstead Core Strategy was adopted in July 2014. Recent changes in planning legislation require that local plan documents such as the Core Strategy are subject to review within 5 years of their adoption. The report, which is to follow via an addendum, will set out the conclusions of a review of the adopted Core Strategy, which has been undertaken in accordance with the Planning Practice Guidance. The Council will be asked to approve the conclusions of the review.

Councillor R. Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy, introduced the report as presented to Council. The report set out relevant statutory powers, background information and options. The report also set out legal, financial equalities and communication implications, risk management considerations, the position on consultation and policy framework factors.  

The Executive Member for Planning Policy highlighted that in April 2018 the Government had introduced changes to national planning regulations. It was explained these had introduced a statutory requirement for local authorities to complete a review of local plan documents, such as the Core Strategy, within five years of the date of their adoption.  

It was noted that:

-       The Reigate and Banstead Core Strategy had been adopted on 3 July 2014.

-       In accordance with requirements a thorough review of the Core Strategy had been undertaken in order to assess whether it required updating, either in full or in part. 

-       The review had looked comprehensively at each policy in turn, and had considered and assessed each of them taking into account a wide range of evidence and information.

-       The review had followed the relevant legislation, national policy requirements and national planning guidance.

Councillor Biggs explained that the review had found that each of the policies within the Core Strategy had remained in broad conformity with the latest National Planning Policy Framework and with other relevant national policies. It was highlighted that whilst there had inevitably been some changes in circumstances and national policy since the Core Strategy had been adopted, these had been carefully considered and, as set out in the report, the review had concluded that these were not considered to necessitate updating any policies within the plan.

The Executive Member for Planning Policy informed Council that the review had identified that, based on the latest evidence and monitoring data, the policies of Reigate and Banstead’s Core Strategy had been operating effectively, and were delivering positively against the requirements, objectives and indicators within the Local Plan. The following points were noted:

-       The Council’s strong record in delivering, and exceeding, the housing requirements set out in the Plan; 

-       The significant progress that had been made in bringing forward regeneration in Merstham, Preston and Redhill; and

-       The overall conclusion of the review that there was no need to modify or update any policies of the Core Strategy.

During the discussion a number of issues were considered and it was highlighted that there was cross-party support for the proposals set out in the report.

Councillor Biggs concluded by informing Council that the Reigate and Banstead Core Strategy continued to provide a robust, up to date and appropriate strategic policy framework for managing development across the borough.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            The review of the Reigate and Banstead Local Plan: Core Strategy, set out in Annex 1 to the report presented, be approved and adopted.

(ii)          The Reigate and Banstead Local Plan: Core Strategy continue to be deemed up to date for the purposes of planning decision-making across the Borough.