Decisions

Decision taken

Cabinet agreed:

1.    The SCI 2024 (Appendix A of the report), and accompanying Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) (Appendix B of the report) be subject to public consultation.

2.    That any subsequent material amendments prior to consultation be made by the Executive Member for Planning and that any subsequent minor amendments and editing changes that do not materially affect the content prior to consultation be delegated to Assistant Director (Planning) in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning.

Reason for decision

The council is required to produce an SCI in accordance with section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Section 10A of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012 require an SCI to be kept under review. The current SCI was adopted in 2013.

Decision taken

The Cabinet agreed:

1.    The Local Plan (full review) is prepared; and

2.    That as part of the early scoping of the new local plan, public engagement take place inviting reflections regarding the current opportunities and challenges facing the borough, the arrangements for this engagement will be agreed by the Assistant Director (Planning) in consultation with the Executive Member.

Reason for decision

The current Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan was adopted in October 2023. It contained Policy SP2 which committed the Council to undertake a review of the Plan. This review was to commence no later than one year after the adoption of the plan and for an updated or replacement plan to be submitted for examination no later than three years after the date of adoption of the Plan.

The need for a review is triggered as the current Local Plan does not provide homes for the plan period to 2036.

Decision taken

Cabinet noted the timetable outlined at Table 1 in the attached Local Development Scheme and resolved to bring the Local Development Scheme into effect on the 23^rd September 2024 subject to the council’s constitutional provisions. 

Cabinet agreed:

1.     The Local Development Scheme being published on the Council’s website.

2.    A copy of the Local Development Scheme being sent to the Secretary of State to comply with the Written Ministerial Statement of 19 December 2023.

Reason for decision

Local Planning authorities are required under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) to prepare and maintain a Local Development Scheme.

The Council’s Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the timetable for the production of the Council’s Development Plan Document(s), enabling those with an interest in the plan making process to understand which documents are to be prepared for the area and at what stages they will be able to participate.

Decision taken

The Cabinet agreed:

1.    The proposed changes to the Procurement and Commercial Improvement Strategy to be adopted; and

2.    The addition of the Sustainable Procurement Appendix be adopted.

Reason for decision

The amendments would ensure a focus on climate change through all procurement equally to over £30m a year.

Decision taken

The Cabinet approved the establishment of Town Centre and Nicer Neighbourhood Task Forces as set out in the report.

Reason for decision

The establishment of two Cabinet led task forces focusing on Town Centres and Nicer Neighbourhoods would provide the support required on the delivery of two of the Councils priorities.

Decision taken

The Cabinet noted the results of the consultation and agreed the proposed changes.

The Cabinet agreed to recommend the Licensing Act Policy Review to Full Council for approval.

Reason for decision

The Council in its capacity as licensing authority for the purposes of the Licensing Act 2003 is obliged by law to have a statement of licensing policy. Originally such a statement had to be reviewed every 3 years, but along with a number of other changes to the Licensing Act 2003 and the statutory guidance this frequency has been increased to 5 years.