The Duty to Cooperate was introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and is set out in section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2023) confirms that local planning authorities are under a duty to cooperate with each other on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries (Paragraph 24) and identify relevant strategic matters that need to be addressed in their plans (Paragraph 24). Paragraph 26 confirms that:
“Effective and on-going joint working between strategic policy-making authorities and relevant bodies is integral to the production of a positively prepared and justified strategy. In particular, joint working should help to determine where additional infrastructure is necessary, and whether development needs that cannot be met wholly within a particular plan area could be met elsewhere.”
Richborough is of the view that it is imperative that Medway Council undertake discussions with neighbouring authorities at the earliest possible stage. This is particularly the case with Gravesham given the extent of Green Belt within the Borough.
Richborough expects further information to be published in this respect as discussions with neighbouring authorities continue, although it is prudent at this early stage of Local Plan preparation to accommodate and make allowances for the potential 2,000 additional homes that may be required to meet Gravesham’s needs.