Agenda item

The report seeks approval of an updated Brent Local Development Scheme,  which sets out the Council’s proposed timetable for the replacement of parts of the Development Plan including the Brent Local Plan and other planning related documents such as Supplementary Planning Documents and Conservation Area document updates.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Brent Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 April 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration presenting the updated Brent Local Development Scheme, which set out the proposed timetable for the replacement of parts of the Development Plan including the Brent Local Development Plan and other planning related documents.

In presenting the report, Cabinet were advised of the key role the Local Development Scheme played in seeking to guide future growth and development of the borough and in setting out the timetable for updating not only Brent’s Local Plan but also other important planning-related documents such as Supplementary Planning Documents and Conservation Area updates.  Members were advised of the importance in maintaining an up-to-date Development Plan in allowing the Council to manage and plan for growth and development in a strategic and sustainable way whilst also embracing the challenge of the anticipated continued population growth in a manner that would enable the Council to meet the housing, social and cultural needs of residents whilst also providing space for businesses and the economy to thrive.  Whilst accepting that there were certain policies that would benefit from immediate review, such as reinforcement of the Council’s policy on gambling establishments and student housing, members noted that the Development Scheme had also been designed to support protection and enhancement of the borough’s green infrastructure as well as areas of historical and cultural significance, ensuring that development took place in a way that respected and strengthened Brent’s local identity.  Reference was also made to the way in which the updated Local Development Scheme would support the Council in moving towards its climate goals, supporting the drive towards carbon neutrality and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by climate change with the updated Scheme reflecting the Council’s commitment to providing the necessary planning framework to deliver on those objectives, while also providing a clear and realistic timetable for the process.

In recognising the importance of the Local Development Scheme in providing a positive framework to drive sustainable growth and manage development across the borough, members also welcomed reference to the going campaign seeking review of the policy and powers available to prevent the establishment of gambling premises given their overconcentration within the borough and wider associated impacts in terms of anti-social behaviour and public health as well as the framework for prioritising review of housing delivery targets within the Local Plan based on wider changes being introduced under the National Planning Policy Framework and tacking account of the emerging London Plan.  Support was also expressed for the joined up approach outlined with development of the Gypsies and Travellers Strategy, given the need identified to consider the provision and development of sufficient sites for pitches within the borough as well as reconfiguration of the Lynton Close site taking account of the revised national definition.

In support of the ongoing work being undertaken with the Mayor for London and other key strategic partners to manage the framework for development across the borough, including the development of housing delivery targets, and timing of the review to coincide with wider planning reforms being introduced Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Brent Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix A of the report.