Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Chair outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 January 2024 (Minute Nos. 574 – 578) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 January 2024 (Minute Nos. 574 – 578) were taken as read approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

The Interim Planning Policy Manager introduced the report as set out in the agenda papers.

The Chair invited comments from Member and points raised included:

·         Considered that Option 1A should be approved to enable a better public consultation;

·         supported Option 2;

·         felt it was all being rushed and should be spread out more;

·         the public consultation should be 12 weeks rather than six;

·         felt clearly identifying the main changes since Bearing Fruits and the 2021 consultation would be useful;

·         the Council could use the Area Committees, Local Liaison Forum and Kent Association of Local Councils as part of the public consultation;

·         important that the Council had a Local Plan that was fit for purpose;

·         what were the advantages of having a four-year housing land supply?;

·         could officers reflect on any impacts of the pre-election period on the consultation?;

·         the consultation needed to be pro-active, so residents felt involved;

·         officers should provide hard copies of the Local Plan for Members; and

·         it would be beneficial to have Appendix B for each informal meeting or on the Members Teams Channel.

The Chair and Interim Planning Policy Manager clarified where necessary and responded to questions raised by Members.  The Interim Planning Policy Manager said it was important that residents understood the process and officers would explore the provision of online presentations and liaise with parishes to ensure they were engaged.  He confirmed that Appendix B would be updated as evidence progressed.

The Chair said it was important that members of the Committee feedback to their groups to ensure they were aware of the processes.

Recommended:

(1)  That the Local Plan Review consultation approach Option 2 that included a Regulation 18 draft Plan consultation in quarter 4 of this year and a Regulation 19 pre-submission Plan consultation in quarter 1 of 2025 be approved.

(2)  That the updated Local Development Scheme at Appendix A be agreed and be published on the Council’s website.