I would be interested to hear how other authorities have dealt, or would deal, with consultation on Main Modifications – specifically whether Cabinet / Council approval has been sought for the consultation. We are at the stage of drafting Main Modifications for our Local Plan Sites and Policies document and expect consultation to take place later this year.
We are debating whether there is any need for Cabinet endorsement, given that we must consult on the Inspector’s Main Modifications if we want to progress with the examination and move towards adoption. Essentially any Council decision would not be on the content of the Modifications (which have been established by the Inspector) it would only be on the principle of the consultation. Should Members not approve consultation then the logical outcome could be withdrawal of the plan from examination. Obviously Members would still get the final say in light of any Main Modifications given the need for a Council decision to adopt the plan in due course.
It would be helpful to know of any Councils who have moved to consult on Main Modifications without explicit Council / Cabinet approval.
