At the Cabinet meeting on the 8th July 2015 approval was given for a 6 week public consultation on the Thurrock Local Plan, Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This report details the results of that consultation and seeks adoption of the SCI to enable the Local Plan to be completed in conformity with the SCI. Without complying with an adopted and up to date SCI the Local Plan will not be found sound by a Planning Inspector.

 Councillor Speight, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, introduced the report which set out a revised Statement of Community Involvement to reflect recent changes in Government legislation and the national Planning system. He explained that to just produce a statement was not enough and it was important to engage effectively with local communities.

Councillor Ray commended what he felt was a thorough report and questioned what the Council determined as a ‘major development.’

In response the Cabinet Member explained that he was not aware of any changes but he would confirm the exact number that constituted as a major development outside of the meeting.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared these to be carried.

RESOLVED:

1.         That Council adopt the Thurrock Local Plan: Statement of Community Involvement.

2.         That the Report of Consultation be approved by the Council alongside the Statement of Community Involvement.