Issue - meetings

That the Corporate Head of Planning and Regulatory Services and Director (Legal) be authorised to enter into a new agreement for the delivery of development management services (including planning enforcement) on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority for the period 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2032. Subject to the South Downs National Park Authority Member approval on 20^th March 2026

Councillor Porter introduced the report which proposed the council entering into a new contract to continue to deliver the development management service (including enforcement) on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).  If agreed by Cabinet, the contract would be subject to approval by the SDNPA at a meeting on 20 March 2026.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Lee and Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised below.

Councillor Lee

Councillor Lee supported the principle of local planning delivery but requested clarification on the financial sustainability of the proposed agreement (given a projected £400,000 shortfall) and questioned why a full cost-recovery model was not being pursued.  He expressed concern that committing to a contract through 2032 would impact on a future unitary authority following LGR. He welcomed the wider benefits of the partnership but sought reassurance that risks to the council were fully understood.

Councillor Horrill

Councillor Horrill supported the continuation of the agreement but questioned why the council would enter into a contract where anticipated costs exceed income by £400,000.  She suggested that the relationship with the SDNP could be improved and queried how the council could better influence the SDNP’s strategy to ensure it aligned with local priorities such as the provision of affordable homes. 

Councillor Porter, together with the Corporate Head of Planning and Regulatory Services and Strategic Director responded to the comments made, including confirming that officers had regular contact with the team at SDNP.  The Director (Finance) provided further information regarding the calculation of costs in the report. 

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RESOLVED:

That the Corporate Head of Planning and Regulatory Services and Director (Legal) be authorised to enter into a new agreement for the delivery of development management services (including planning enforcement) on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority for the period 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2032. Subject to the South Downs National Park Authority Member approval on 20^th March 2026.