This report seeks approval to 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 which came into effect in February 2022.

It has become necessary to amend the Local Development Scheme because of a slight slippage in the anticipated submission date of the Submission Draft Local Plan for Independent Examination following the completion of the Regulation 19 Consultation Stage on 25^th July 2022.

The Council is still under the threat of intervention by the Government because of the timescale for producing the Local Plan. Regular meetings have taken place with the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing (DLUCH), who are aware of the need for a revision of the LDS to ensure legal compliance.

The Wirral Plan 2021-2026 sets out the Council’s vision to secure the best possible future for our residents, defined by the community prosperity we create and supported by our excellent people and services. This proposal directly supports all of the themes within that Plan:

This matter affects all Wards.

This matter is a Key Decision.

Resolved – That the adoption of the Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

This revised document attached to this report replaces the Local Development Scheme which came into effect in February 2022. 

It has become necessary to amend the Local Development Scheme to avoid any potential risk related to legal compliance during the examination process.

There has been a slight slippage in the date for submission of the Submission Draft Local Plan for independent examination, from the September 2022 date anticipated in the latest adopted Local Development Scheme.

In order to ensure that the Local Development Scheme is up to date it is necessary to seek approval for an amendment to the scheme.

There are no alternative options, as it is a legal requirement to have an up-to-date Local Development Scheme, to be published as soon as possible after the relevant information becomes available.