Wirral local plan
Scope of Project
Since 2020, DAC Planning has supported the production of the Wirral Local Plan. The Wirral Local Plan 2021 - 2037 Submission Draft was submitted to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination on 26 October 2022.
This marks a major milestone for the Council in the progression of the long-awaited Local Plan, which once adopted, will replace the Unitary Development Plan adopted in 2000. The Local Plan incorporates ambitious and transformational regeneration plans for Birkenhead and other urban areas of the Borough, alongside the ongoing protection of the Green Belt and other valued environmental assets.
DAC Planning is now supporting the planning policy team in preparing for Examination and will represent the Council at examination hearings.
greater cambridge local plan
Scope of Project
DAC Planning provided support and critical friend advice to Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council in the production of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan (GCLP).
Advice was provided to help shape the new Local Plan, including the structure, policy approach and approach to meeting the Duty to Cooperate. As part of this work, DAC Planning assessed adopted Local Plan policies in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan and the Cambridge Local Plan against national policy to inform the scope and content of policies to be included in the GCLP.
Additional support provided by DAC Planning to progress the GCLP included:
- Advice on the Duty to Cooperate;
- Planning officer support and mentorship;
- Policy drafting and project management;
- Reviewing the Issues and Options document;
- Advice during Issues and Options consultation;
- Processing and analysis of Regulation 18 Local Plan consultation responses;
- Application of PAS Local Plan Toolkit and provision of advice arising from the assessment.
DAC Planning produced advice notes covering the approach to small sites, the production of topic papers and the approach to the Duty to Cooperate.
Project Outcome
The Council held a second round of Regulation 18 consultation from November-December 2021.
Arun District Council, West Sussex
Scope of Project
DAC Planning supported the Council through the Independent Examination of the Local Plan in 2016 and 2017. This included overseeing the production of Main Modifications to the Local Plan, developing a revised housing strategy with a stepped trajectory, whilst progressing with complex Infrastructure planning and Duty to Cooperate discussions with neighbouring local authorities. David Coleman jointly led the Council team through the later stages of the independent examination, including hearing sessions.
In 2020, DAC Planning was commissioned by the Council to assist with scoping the update to the Local Plan. The team oversaw a process of engagement with elected Members to determine an updated vision and objectives to guide plan preparation.
Brentwood local plan
Scope of Project
Brentwood Borough Council commissioned DAC Planning in 2020 to provide support relating to the progression and development of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan alongside the Local Plan.
Project Outcome
Critical friend support has been provided in ongoing discussions with Essex County Council and other key infrastructure providers. Following discussions with Essex County Council and other key infrastructure providers, DAC Planning helped to define further requirements for developing and finalising the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. DAC Planning has provided advice and comments for the approach to the funding gap in the IDP. Additionally, DAC Planning supported the production of further documentation as required to assist the Independent Examination.
The Brentwood Local Plan was submitted for examination in February 2020.
Epping Forest District Council, Essex
Scope of Project
DAC Planning assisted Epping Forest District Council from 2016 to 2019 in the production of their Draft Local Plan, playing a central role in overseeing the production and preparing for the implementation and independent examination of the Local Plan, whilst also working closely with colleagues in neighbouring local authorities to develop plans for the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town
Project Outcome
DAC Planning worked to establish and chair Developer Forums for the District and the Garden Town, and also introduced mechanisms to enable the implementation of strategic growth plans. This included developing the requirements for Strategic Masterplans to be produced through partnership working between site promoters and the Council, and the introduction of Planning Performance Agreements to help fund the work required. DAC Planning helped to establish a new ‘Implementation Team’ within the Council.
DAC Planning led the ‘Delivery’ workstream for the Garden Town which required extensive cross-boundary and collaborative working with adjoining District Councils, two County Councils and other stakeholders in order to introduce the necessary mechanisms and ensure the timely delivery of high quality infrastructure and development across the Garden Town.
DAC Planning also provided oversight, support and guidance to all Neighbourhood Plans emerging in the District. The Epping Forest District Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in public in 2018. David Coleman jointly led the Council team through independent examination hearing sessions in 2019.
