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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is preparing a response to proposed reforms to the planning system.

Government last month launched consultation on proposals to update the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and prepare new national planning policy.

The proposed amendments will have implications on the Council's emerging Local Plan as they would see changes to how Local Planning Authorities consider the Green Belt and meet national housing targets. 

The Council was due to consult on next stage of its Local Plan - Regulation 19 - this month, however timescales are being reviewed in light of the government's proposals.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "We consulted on the draft Regulation 18 Plan last summer and received over 1800 representations. 

"We were due to move on to the next stage, Regulation 19, this month, however, to allow us time to fully consider the outcomes and implications of the government's consultation, we'll identify next steps later in the year.

"Work will still continue in the background, analysing responses from last summer's consultation, and carrying out further necessary work to build the evidence base.

"We continue to have a statutory obligation to produce and maintain a Local Plan, which will seek to deliver sustainable development to meet the future needs of the borough.

"Ultimately, the Plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for a Public Examination before an independent Planning Inspector."

Consultation on the government's proposals, contained within the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, ends in early March.

The proposals are designed to make the planning system work better for communities, deliver more homes through sustainable development, build pride in place and support levelling up.