Council planning ahead as it adopts new vision for district development

The Strategy is an important planning document that sets out how the district should develop between now and 2027 and will be used as the framework for considering planning applications. It is also fundamental to the delivery of the Council's Programme for Growth, a multi-million pounds investment in jobs, housing and local infrastructure.

As part of the development of the Core Strategy, the document has been subject to review by a central Government-appointed planning inspector. The inspector has been through the document in public session, known as an Examination in Public, at a number of sessions between 2011 and 2013. The aim of this was to ensure that the Council's plans fitted within new national planning legislation and would stand the test of time.

Throughout this review process council officers and councillors have been working closely with the Inspector and the area's residents and businesses to ensure that all aspects of the policy are adequate, sustainable and meet the needs of the district. Following the final Examination in Public session in February earlier this year, the independent inspector has found the document to be legally compliant and sound.

Executive member with responsibility for Place Shaping, Cllr John Mackman, said, "This is a significant document which sets out the strategic framework not just for planning but also for investment decisions and business and housing growth for the district in the long-term.

"It's taken a tremendous amount of work over a number of years to get us to this stage, but we now have a document that will set the pace for business and housing growth to 2027.

"Our Programme for Growth investment is centred on supporting business development and new jobs, as well as giving people access to the housing they need; and the Core Strategy is a vital part of helping us deliver on all these important issues."

The Core Strategy sets the overall ambition for the scale of business and housing development as well as strategic policies on a wide range of topics, including delivering affordable housing, promoting sustainable development, supporting vital town centres, ensuring access to local services and facilities and protecting the important environmental assets of the district. The Core Strategy will be supported by a separate piece of work to identify exact locations for the new development and any further detailed policies which are needed.

The Council also agreed a timetable for taking forward work in preparing a new Sites and Policies Plan. The Council is keen for everyone who has an interest to get involved in developing the scope and content of this planning document over the coming months.

Further information can be found by visiting the Core Strategy page.