Issue - meetings

That:

·       The Policy & Resources Committee agree the publishing of the Decision Statement on the council’s website and that the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Development Plan should proceed to referendum which is proposed for 7^th May 2026.

A report was presented regarding the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Development Plan. Officers advised that the examiner’s final report had not yet been received, although a draft fact-check version had been reviewed by both officers and the parish council. It was indicated that the draft contained only minor modifications and that the Plan was expected to proceed to referendum.

Officers explained that, in order to meet the proposed referendum date of 7 May 2026, it was necessary to seek delegated authority to finalise and publish the decision statement upon receipt of the final examiner’s report.

During the debate, Members expressed concern regarding progression of the Plan without sight of the final examiner’s report and sought assurance on the nature of the proposed modifications. It was acknowledged that the Plan had been in development for a considerable period and that there was a strong desire for it to proceed to referendum alongside the scheduled elections. Members emphasised the importance of having sight of the final documentation prior to a formal decision being taken.

A proposal was made to delegate authority to officers, in consultation with the Lead Member, to approve and publish the decision statement, subject to receipt of the final examiner’s report. It was further agreed that Members would be provided with sight of the relevant documentation prior to the decision being taken.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Vice-Chair with the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

·         The Policy & Resources Committee agree the publishing of the Decision Statement on the council’s website and that the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Development Plan should proceed to referendum which is proposed for 7th May 2026.

NOTE: Councillor Tankard left the Chamber at the commencement of the item at 19:40

NOTE: Councillor Tankard returned to the Chamber at the closure of the item at 19:52.