Councillors will consider a recommendation to withdraw the Uttlesford Local Plan at an Extraordinary Council Meeting (ECM) next week.
Local plans are important documents as they set the framework for the development and growth requirements of an area. This includes where housing and employment sites are located, alongside the necessary infrastructure to support it.
Two government-appointed inspectors, who have been examining the Uttlesford local plan since January 2019, wrote to Uttlesford District Council earlier this year setting out a number of significant concerns with the plan.
Since then, the council has been considering the best way forward. To assist with this decision, a Peer Review Team from the East of England Local Government Association was appointed to look at this and provide independent advice.
On the basis of the inspectors’ letter and considering the Peer Review Team advice, the recommendation is to withdraw the Local Plan and start work on a new plan. This is what councillors will be asked to consider and vote on at the ECM on Thursday 30 April, starting at 6pm.
The meeting report and Peer Review Team advice is available within the agenda papers which can be accessed via the Local Plan Examination pages on the council’s website – www.uttlesford.gov.uk/local-plan-examination.
Due to government guidance on social distancing during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the ECM will be conducted virtually using video conferencing technology.
Members of the public and representatives of parish and town councils can listen in to the live broadcast. A link to the broadcast will be available via the meeting agenda on the website when the meeting starts.
People who wish to make a representation about the local plan can do so in writing by sending their statement to [email protected] by midday on Tuesday 28 April. The statements received will be shared with all councillors before the meeting takes place.
People who wish to make a statement via Zoom video link must also register by midday on Tuesday 28 April. There is a 60-minute public speaking limit at the start of the meeting, and three-minute slots will be given on a first come, first served basis. An internet connection will be required and a device with a microphone and video camera enabled. Alternatively, those wishing to make a statement to the meeting who do not have internet access can do so via telephone. Technical guidance on the practicalities of participating via Zoom will be given at the point a registration slot is confirmed.
For more information, please call Democratic Services on 01799 510510 / 548 / 430.
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