SC230253 - Minerals and Waste Planning Policy

Kent County Council (the Council) is seeking specialist professional planning support across both the Kent Mineral and Waste Local Plan (KMWLP) and Planning Application Group (PAG) both of which are statutory work areas, for a 3 year + 1 year extension option for the period from 21 October 2024 onwards.

There is an ongoing statutory requirement for review of the KMWLP to assess whether the plan needs updating, and a requirement for monitoring and assessment. We are required to review the KMWLP every 5 years. This is to ensure that the policies remain relevant, conform to national policy and guidance and satisfactorily address the needs of the local community. The 5-year review commenced in 2021 and identified the need for a number of changes to reflect changes in national and local policy and guidance since 2016. These include changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, government policy on climate change, protection and enhancement of the natural environment and achievement of a circular economy.

The core of the work requirement will focus on Mineral and Waste Planning Policy, which would be for at least 80% of the overall work requirement. The remaining requirement is the periodic need for professional planning resources in the County Matter (Minerals and Waste) team within the PAG to support the delivery of statutory duties in relation to Development Management including support for Development Consent Order Proposals. This element of the work is called off when it is required and is not guaranteed to be required but will be allowed for within the scope.

There is a need to maintain some flexibility in relation to the programme, quantity, balance and pattern of work. For this reason, before the start of each new year the Council would wish to review the likely work programme for local plan and other work in advance.