MAIDSTONE BORUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

29 SEPTEMBER 2021

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2021

OTHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

On 13 April 2021, this Committee resolved that the Otham Neighbourhood Plan, once modified, should proceed to referendum. The Otham Neighbourhood Plan, with modifications incorporated, can be found at Appendix B. A referendum was carried on 8 July 2021.

The referendum was successful, with 98.8% voting in favour of the neighbourhood plan. The referendum results can be found in Appendix A. As a result, the Otham Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the Development Plan for Maidstone (Section 38 (3A) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).

Under Section 38A (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, where more than half of those who voted, vote in favour of a Neighbourhood Plan, the plan must be made (adopted) by the Council within 8 weeks. The timetable for referendum, and committee consideration, including consideration by Full Council is carefully planned to ensure the statutory timetables are met. However, on this occasion, the statutory duty will not be met owing to committee cycles and the fact that this is the first opportunity for this report to be considered by this Committee. Agreement to postpone the decision was gained from Otham Parish Council.

At its meeting on 21 September 2021, the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to consider the result of the referendum, and in accordance with the agreed Neighbourhood Planning Protocol, make a recommendation to Full Council that Otham Neighbourhood Plan is made (adopted).

The report is attached as Appendix A, with the Otham Neighbourhood Plan attached as Appendix B.

The recommendations (if any) of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee will be reported orally to the Council at the meeting on the 29 September 2021.