Agenda item

The Leader presented the report, which represented the next stage in the preparation of Redditch Borough Council’s Local Plan.

Members were reminded that the Government had introduced a new plan-making system and that work already undertaken, including the Issues and Options consultation conducted during the previous year, would continue to inform the new process. It was reported that the required scoping consultation had been undertaken between 3rd July and 14th August 2026 and had generated thirty-three responses from residents, statutory consultees, developers and landowners. Officers had reviewed the responses received and concluded that no issues had been identified that would prevent the Council from progressing to the next stage of the process.

It was explained that the next step was Gateway 1, which involved the Council's self-assessment of its readiness to prepare the new Local Plan, including confirmation that appropriate resources, governance arrangements and processes were in place to meet the requirements of the Government's revised timetable.

Members were informed that the report did not seek approval of the final Local Plan, housing allocations or specific development sites. It was emphasised that significant further work and consultation would be undertaken before decisions on such matters were reached.

The proposed timetable was outlined, with the first draft of the new Local Plan scheduled for consultation in summer 2027. This draft would incorporate feedback from previous consultations, additional evidence-based documents, including a revised Green Belt Review, and further work relating to infrastructure requirements. The proposed submission version of the Local Plan was expected to be published in spring 2028, with adoption currently scheduled for April 2029.

Members were also advised that there was a financial incentive to maintain progress against the timetable. The Council had been awarded additional funding of £108,000 towards the preparation of the Local Plan, subject to publication of the Gateway 1 Self-Assessment by 31st October 2026. It was noted that failure to progress in accordance with the timetable could result in the funding being returned.

It was therefore reported that the purpose of the report was to ensure continued progress on an evidence-led Local Plan process and to provide further opportunities for residents and stakeholders to help shape the future development of the Borough.

During debate on the item, Members made the following comments:

• Concern was expressed regarding the level of public participation in the scoping consultation, with particular reference made to the relatively small number of responses received from residents. It was suggested that future consultation exercises should seek to engage the public more effectively and encourage wider participation.
• Members recognised the work undertaken by officers and the Planning Advisory Panel (PAP) in progressing the Local Plan process. It was noted that further stages of consultation would take place and were likely to generate greater public interest and engagement. Members were encouraged to attend PAP meetings to gain a fuller understanding of the process.
• It was suggested that additional engagement methods, including greater outreach and the use of focus groups, could help to capture a broader range of views from residents. Reference was also made to the importance of establishing clear consultation and research processes to inform future planning work.
• Concerns were raised regarding the availability of brownfield land and the need to ensure that all appropriate development opportunities were explored before considering alternative sites.

In closing the debate, the Leader thanked Members for their comments. He emphasised the importance of progressing the Local Plan, noting that the absence of an up-to-date Local Plan could leave the Borough more vulnerable to speculative development proposals. Whilst acknowledging, and supporting, concerns regarding development on green belt land and the limited availability of brownfield sites within the Borough, he reported that the Council was required to plan for Government housing targets and consider the land available to meet those requirements. Members were further advised that it was imperative that the Local Plan process continued in accordance with the proposed timetable and that the Council secured the Government funding available to support its preparation.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Matthew Dormer and seconded by Councillor Gemma Monaco.

RESOLVED that

1)    The Local Plan Gateway 1 Self-Assessment be approved for formal publication on the 30th October 2026, and following publication the Council progresses with plan-making as per the published timetable.

2)    The Local Plan Summary of Scoping Consultation be approved and published alongside the Gateway 1 Self Assessment.