Agenda item

To review the Terms of Refence for the Strategic Planning Sub-Committee (Appendix 1).

To adopt the Terms of Reference.

The report was submitted by the Deputy Monitoring Officer.

RESOLVED

To adopt the Terms of Reference.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

The Sub-Committee must implement those rules and procedures as adopted by the CJC

and set out in the Terms of Reference – these are the powers delegated to the Sub-Committee. Any amendment to these terms must be approved by the Corporate Joint Committee.

DISCUSSION

It was approved by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) to establish the Strategic Planning Sub-Committee, in order to discharge the function of developing and producing a Delivery Agreement and Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for the CJC. It was confirmed that the power of adoption or revision of the plan would be reserved to the CJC.

It was delegated to the Sub-Committee to carry out the functions as outlined in the Terms of Reference. It was noted that these functions mirrored the responsibilities set out in the Town and Country Planning (Strategic Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2021. It was highlighted that the strategic nature of the Sub-Committee’s role enabled plan development on a regional basis, in collaboration with other Local Authorities and partners, including the Welsh Government, constituent Local Authorities, the National Park, and other key stakeholders.

It was explained that a key part of delivering the plan was the Sub-Committee’s role in providing strategic advice to the Corporate Joint Committee to coordinate the planning, development, and delivery of the plan, in line with the functions set out in the Terms of Reference. It was further noted that the Sub-Committee was also responsible for monitoring and reviewing progress and making recommendations to the CJC.

It was confirmed that the Sub-Committee would be supported by an officer-led Planning Officer Group (POG). It was outlined that this Advisory Group would be led by an officer from the Council represented through the elected Chair. It was stated that this lead officer would liaise with the Chair to provide updates on work programming and project delivery, supported by officers from the CJC.

It was questioned, in relation to overseeing the production of the SDP, whether consultation was envisaged to take place across the whole of North Wales or only in those areas where plans were being proposed or envisaged. In response, it was noted that as the plan would be produced on a regional basis, the consultation would also be carried out on a regional basis. It was explained that this would ensure a fair and open process, giving all individuals and communities the opportunity to engage.

It was questioned whether the consultation process would include face-to-face meetings or be held exclusively online. In response, it was noted that all available and practical methods of communication would be considered during the consultation process, with the aim of reaching as many relevant individuals and stakeholders as possible. However, it was clarified that digital technology and online methods would likely play a key role in facilitating consultation on a region-by-region basis, depending on the resources available to each local authority. It was emphasised that all methods of communication would be available, with proportionality guiding their use.