Ellie Ames 20 December 2023

Councils told to revise local plan timetables

Councils told to revise local plan timetables image
Image: I T S / Shutterstock.com

The housing secretary has instructed seven local authorities to revise their timetables for delivering their local plans.

In a speech in which he announced the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) yesterday, Michael Gove named the councils as ‘failing to deliver for their communities’.

The councils, Amber Valley, Ashfield, Basildon, Castle Point, Medway, St Albans, and Uttlesford, received letters from Mr Gove yesterday.

They are the only seven planning authorities that have not adopted local plans since 2004 and have not submitted draft plans for examination, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said.

Mr Gove stressed that the councils had limited time, with a deadline to submit a plan under the current system by June 2025.

The authorities were directed to revise their local development schemes – timetables for the progression of local plans – within 12 weeks, with ‘further intervention action’ possible.

In his speech yesterday, Mr Gove also said he was ‘designating Chorley and Fareham for poor quality decision making’.

Both Chorley and Fareham Borough councils were designated in respect of applications for planning permission for major development. The designation will remain in force until revoked.

Mr Gove also said: 'I will be reviewing the current criteria and thresholds for designations, to make sure we are not letting off the hook authorities that should be doing better.'

In a separate government intervention, housing minister Lee Rowley wrote to West Berkshire Council yesterday, directing it not to withdraw its local plan from examination, which the authority had been due to consider at an extraordinary meeting.

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 - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner