Agenda item

(a)  That the Slough Local Plan Proposed Spatial Strategy Consultation Document in Appendix A be agreed.

(b)  That a six week public consultation exercise should be held beginning in November 2020 be agreed.

(c)  That delegated powers be given to the Council’s Planning Policy Lead Officer, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, to make minor changes to the Consultation Document and proposed public consultation exercise.

The Lead Member for Planning & Regulation and the Planning Policy Lead Officer introduced a report that sought approval of the proposed Spatial Strategy of the Slough Local Plan for public consultation in November and December 2020.

The Government had set a target for all Local Planning Authorities to adopt a Local Plan by the end of 2023.  Slough had been working on its plan for some time but it had been unable to progress through the formal stages due to the uncertainty of Heathrow Airport expansion.  As it was now very unlikely that the proposal for a third runway would come forward in the short term Slough would proceed with the plan on the basis that any new proposals for Heathrow could be dealt with in a review.

The draft Spatial Strategy had been considered by the Planning Committee, Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Member briefings prior to being presented to Cabinet.  The strategy formed a key part of the Local Plan development for Slough and set out the proposed pattern and scale of development.

The five key components of the strategy were summarised:

·  delivering major comprehensive redevelopment within the “Centre of Slough”;

·  selecting other key locations for appropriate sustainable development, such as the trading estates;

·  enhancing our distinct suburbs, vibrant neighbourhood centres and environmental assets;

·  protecting the "strategic gap between Slough and Greater London; and

·  promoting the cross-border expansion of Slough to meet unmet housing needs.

There had been a slight delay in the proposed consultation and it was noted that it was now expected to start on 9th November and be open until 21st December.  The consultation mechanism would be digital given the Covid-19 restrictions.  The Local Plan timetable would be that there would be a separate consultation on the Green Belt in 2021, a draft Local Plan in 2022 and examination and adoption in 2023.

Lead Members discussed various aspects of the strategy and highlighted the importance of this phase of the Local Plan.  The strategy was very important in setting out the pattern and scale of future development, anticipated future growth and linked to transport and other infrastructure plans.  The strategy would then inform the planning policies. 

The Cabinet agreed the recommendation that the strategy should go out the public consultation and encouraged residents and interested parties to participate and contribute their views.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Slough Local Plan Proposed Spatial Strategy Consultation Document in Appendix A be agreed.

(b)  That a six week public consultation exercise should be held beginning on 9th November 2020 be agreed.

(c)  That delegated powers be given to the Council’s Planning Policy Lead Officer, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, to make minor changes to the Consultation Document and proposed public consultation exercise.