William Eichler 05 February 2019

Brokenshire to intervene over ‘lamentable’ failures to publish local plans

The secretary state for communities has written to Wirral and Thanet councils warning them that Whitehall intended to intervene over their failure to put local plans in place.

Under the 2004 Act Local Plan, the 338 local planning authorities in England are required to publish local plans that detail development strategies for their areas.

The Government confirmed in November 2017 that 15 councils had failed to put a local plan in place. Whitehall intervened in Wirral, Thanet and Castle Point the following March.

Secretary of state for communities James Brokenshire wrote to Wirral again at the end of January due to the council’s ‘failure over many years to get a local plan in place’.

The last plan Wirral council published was in 2000, covering the period up to March 2001.

Mr Brokenshire acknowledged that the council did not have higher than average housing pressure. However, he described the council’s performance on this issue as ‘lamentable’.

‘In my judgement taking over the preparation of the local plan offers the best prospect of the plan-making process being accelerated and of ensuring that an up-to-date local plan is put in place as soon as possible,’ he wrote.

Thanet council last adopted a local plan in 2006 and this covered a period up to 2011.

Unlike in Wirral, there are higher than average housing pressures in Thanet. It is within the top third of districts in England for high housing pressure.

In his letter to the council, Mr Brokenshire wrote that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government would not take over preparation of the local plan.

However, the department still planned to intervene.

‘The intervention I have decided upon will provide more certainty and is the best way of ensuring that a Local Plan will be produced in accordance with the Local Development Scheme timetable,’ he wrote.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner