Agenda item

To consider and approve the draft Review Report for a 6 weeks period of public consultation

DECISION:

• Approve the draft Review Report for a 6 weeks period of public consultation
• Delegate powers to the Assistant Head of Environment Department to make any non material changes that may be necessary ahead of the public consultation

A presentation was given by Heledd Jones outlining the purpose and the work associated with preparing a Review Report. It was noted that the purpose of the Review Report was to examine all evidence that was relevant to the Joint LDP and to come to a conclusion regarding the type of review that would be followed. It was also noted that the purpose of the Review Report was not to detail any changes that would be made to the Plan.

The Panel's attention was drawn to the fact that the Review Report included the following:

 • What information is being considered to steer the review of the Plan and why?

 • How do the findings affect the vision, aims and objectives of the plan, including the implementation of the strategy?

 • A review of all subject areas in the plan noting clearly what needs to change and which parts of the evidence base need to be updated to support the changes.

 • Implications for sections of the Plan that are not intended to be amended in terms of coherence and efficiency of the Plan in its entirety.

 • Reconsider the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Habitats Regulations Assessment.

 • Examine and explain the opportunities to prepare Joint LDPs with neighbouring LPAs and increase cross-border working.

 • Clear conclusions on why the full review needs to be followed (which amounts to preparing a new Plan), or the short form review procedure (which amounts to adapting sections of the existing Plan).

In addition, it was highlighted that changes had been included in the Report following feedback from the Anglesey Leadership Team. These were, including reference to the North Anglesey Regeneration Plan, an additional section for Biodiversity, minor changes to the section on Brexit and the section that refers to Wylfa Newydd.

It was confirmed that the Review Report reached a conclusion regarding the need to hold a Full Review of the Plan. Furthermore, the timetable and reporting procedure in relation to receiving approval of the Review Report were highlighted.

Matters Raised

· The importance of raising the public's awareness of the consultation period was noted, in order for as many as possible to give their input on the important matters that the area faces e.g. holiday accommodation. It was asked if a press release would be prepared?

 · If the Councils make the decision, it was asked how much influence Welsh Government had on us?

 · As a result of pressure to undertake the Review urgently, concern was expressed regarding the slippage of a month in the timetable. It was noted that the Review Report was meant to be submitted to the Government by the end of January 2022, however, it would be March by the Page 5 3 time the Councils would be in a position to do so. What was the reason for this delay and would this delay affect the entire timetable.

Response

· It was noted that a member of the press was at the meeting and therefore likely to report back that a consultation period on the Review Report was likely to take place. The JPPS would engage with all Councillors, Community Councils, Key Stakeholders together with all organisations/individuals who have expressed an interest in the process of preparing the Development Plan as well as raising further awareness of this consultation process.

· It must be remembered that the purpose of the Review Report is to reach a conclusion regarding what type of review is needed of the Plan, namely a Full Report in this case.

 · There has been delay due to the need to include the findings of the 3rd Annual Monitoring Report in the Review Report. In addition, several internal meetings have taken place and scheduled in order to ensure that the report is scrutinised internally and that there is appropriate input to it. We do not anticipated that this delay of a month will affect the timetable of preparing the Plan. Next year's elections will affect the timetable and one of the first tasks for both Councils will be to consider the Delivery Agreement for the amended Plan.

Decision The Committee resolved to accept the recommendation to hold a public consultation on the Review Report