The Chairman had agreed to exercise her discretion and allowed a member of the public to address the Committee.

The Strategic Planning Manager presented a report detailing the Issues and Options document which represented the first public consultation in the process of preparing a new Local Plan to replace the adopted Core Strategy 2011 and Allocations and Development Management Plan 2015. The document reflected other strategic documents of the Council in particular, the Corporate Plan, Community Plan and the housing and economic development strategies. Evidence for the consultation had been assembled over a two year period. An eight week consultation will be followed by a period when responses would be assessed and a draft Local Plan prepared for further public consultation.

Members discussed how the Place-Making areas would work and sustainability and infrastructure requirements for the District. In response to concerns raised Members were advised that the consultation would provide views of the public, secondary schools and stakeholders and a special edition of InShape in August would provide an easy to read non-technical summary of the Issues and Options document inviting a public response.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Sevenoaks District Local Plan 2015 – 2035 Issues and Options document be agreed for public consultation.