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.