Decision details

1.      Cabinet has noted the Government announcement following the Quinquennial Review of WNDC and welcomes the statement that the regeneration of Northampton remains a Government priority.

2.      Cabinet has noted that many points which were pressed by the Council through Scrutiny and Cabinet and Council have been accepted in whole or part by the Government.

3.      Cabinet has welcomed the commitment to return planning powers to the Borough Council and urges that this should happen as quickly as possible.

4.      Cabinet has welcomed the commitment to replace WNDC with a locally accountable delivery vehicle at the end of its life and urges that this should happen earlier if at all possible.

5.      Cabinet has reiterated this Council’s view that any replacement for WNDC must have a prime and clear priority focus on the growth and development of Northampton as a town.

6.      Cabinet has welcomed the Government’s commitment to operational efficiency and instructs Officers to create one of the most, if not the most, efficient and effective Planning and Regeneration services in the country.

7.      Cabinet has instructed the Chief Executive and the Director of Planning and Regeneration to work positively with WNDC and partners on the implementation of the conclusion of the Quinquennial Review and to report back to Cabinet and Scrutiny as required.