This report recommends the approval of revisions to the future timetable for the preparation of the Wirral Local Plan, as set out in the revised Local Development Scheme attached to this report. The revised scheme will replace the Local Development Scheme adopted by the Council in October 2019.

It has become necessary to review the Local Development Scheme because of the implications of Covid 19 which has delayed the completion of several evidence base studies and on-site assessment work. This has had the knock-on effect of delaying the preparation of the Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan.

The Council is still under the threat of intervention from the Government because of the timescale for producing the Local Plan. Regular meetings have taken place with them over the past few months and they understand the need for a revision due to Covid 19. The revised timescale, and the reasons for it, have been discussed with them. They will make any comments on the revised timetable, if they have any, by exception.

That the adoption of the revised Local Development Scheme as set out at Appendix 1 of this report be approved.

This revised document replaces the Local Development Scheme adopted by the Council on 14th October 2019.  It has become necessary to review the Local Development Scheme because of changes to the timetable for the Local Plan.  The Covid 19 pandemic has delayed the commissioning and completion of several evidence base studies and on-site assessment work. This includes work commissioned in response to submissions made at the Regulation 18 consultation in early 2020. This has had the knock-on effect of delaying the preparation of the Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan. 

In order to ensure that the Local Development Scheme is up to date and reflects the above practicalities, it is appropriate to seek approval for an amendment to the scheme.

There are no alternative options, as national regulations require the publication of an up-to-date Local Development Scheme, as soon as possible after the information becomes available.