William Eichler 01 February 2019

Stevenage Borough Council seeks judicial review of delayed local plan

Stevenage Borough Council has decided to take legal action over the Government’s decision to delay the authority’s local plan for over a year.

The local plan was submitted in July 2016 and was given a positive inspector’s report in October 2017 that recommended its adoption after some minor changes.

However, the following month the Government put in place a temporary legal order to stop the council adopting the plan, so that the communities secretary could consider representations from the local MP.

This temporary holding direction remains in place and has delayed the plans adoption by 14 months.

‘I am calling on the secretary of state to release the Stevenage local plan with immediate effect, and support us in building new homes, creating jobs and regenerating our town,’ said Sharon Taylor, leader of Stevenage Borough Council.

‘We have worked closely with residents, different organisations, and local groups to have a clear plan for the town. These conversations started back in 2012, with several stages of consultation so that everyone can have their say.

‘Having a clear plan in place is vital for the town, to protect our open spaces, offer new homes for our families, provide space for new jobs, and to help revitalise crucial parts of the town.’

A council statement said that following the imposition of the holding direction, the council provided ‘detailed’ feedback to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by the start of last year.

However, the statement said, the reasons for the delay ‘remain unclear’.

‘It is with real regret that our only option is to start legal proceedings,’ said Ms Taylor.

‘It remains my hope that we will see a positive response, and my door always remains open to find the best way ahead.’

A MHCLG spokesperson said: 'As this is an on-going legal matter, it would not be appropriate to comment.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner