(1) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, to agree  proposed main modifications to the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021) as may be necessary to meet the tests of ‘soundness’ defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) (or any equivalent following the amendment or revocation thereof); and the relevant statutory requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (or any equivalent Regulations following the amendment, re-enactment or revocation thereof).

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to make any minor modifications to the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021), as may be necessary.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, to prepare and agree Statements of Common Ground for the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021) as required.

PfEP needs to progress through Examination as smoothly as possible. If it is necessary to amend policies this will need to be done quickly, by a proposed modification, as recommended by the inspectors to ensure that the Plan can be considered “sound” and proceed to Adoption.

There are no reasonable alternatives. Following the normal approvals process to agree main modifications will significantly extend the examination period, frustrating the inspectors, participants and local communities in Trafford and across GM. It would also result in a significant increase in costs to the Council (and others) for the inspectors, expert witness and QC representation time. For the reasons set out above, this is therefore not a reasonable alternative. PfEP will ensure that new development in GM and Trafford can come forward in a sustainable manner giving developers, investors, communities and the Council certainty in decisions on planning matters.