The Local Enforcement Plan (LEP) adopted in July 2016 was consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance and described how the Council investigated allegations of unauthorised development within the district.  The Development Manager advised that as a result of several factors, namely updates to the NPPF, adoption of the Council’s Development and Site Allocations Local Plan in 2019 and consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to update the document.  All Members had the opportunity to consider the draft Plan in November and contribute to its revision and several Member suggestions had been incorporate into the draft.  A copy of the revised draft LEP was attached to the report at Appendix A.

The proposed updated plan drew on current good practice and current working practices as well as up-to-date legislation and planning policies to both set out how the Planning Enforcement services managed investigating alleged planning beaches proactively, but also what it could and could not do including when some factors may be beyond its control.  In addition, the revised LEP provided appendices which should assist visually with setting out the investigation and action processes and the ‘toolkit’ of powers at the Service’s disposal. 

Whilst formal consultation with the parish and town councils across the district had not taken place on this draft, it was agreed that a remote meeting would be held following full Council’s adoption of the plan and this could be advised at the Rother Association of Local Councils’ meeting being held this week.  Consultation with the parish and town councils would take place in subsequent reviews of the plan in two/three years’ time.       

Cabinet was supportive of the updated LEP and acknowledged that the document provided a clear and concise ‘toolkit’ for the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team for dealing with breaches of planning.  The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning thanked the Development Manager who had made significant improvements to the planning service since his appointment.   

RECOMMENDED: That the updated version of the Local Planning Enforcement Plan be approved and adopted.