Preferred Options Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document (DPD) Review
(5) CHAPTER 4: The Duty to Co-operate
4.1 The Localism Act 2011 imposed on public bodies a 'Duty to Co-operate' on planning issues that cross administrative boundaries. It particularly applies in relation to strategic, cross-boundary issues, such as the provision of jobs and homes, retail, leisure and commercial development, the provision of infrastructure including transport and water, health and other community and cultural facilities, climate change mitigation and the conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment.
4.2 Local planning authorities must demonstrate at the Local Plan examination how they have complied with the Duty to Co-operate. If another authority or partner agency will not co-operate, it does not mean a plan cannot be submitted for examination. However, it does mean that strong evidence would be needed of the efforts made to engage and reach agreement with that authority. The Duty to Co-operate should be reflected in strategic policy outcomes and not simply be a process of consultation.
4.3 Other bodies as prescribed by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 are also covered by the Duty to Co-operate. They are as follows:
- Environment Agency
- Historic England
- Natural England
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Homes England
- Clinical commissioning groups established under section 14D of the National Health Service Act 2006
- National Health Service Commissioning Board
- Office of Rail Regulation
- Highway Authority
- Marine Management Organisation.
4.4 For the Ipswich Local Plan, a Duty to Co-operate Statement has been prepared alongside the draft Core Strategy Review and the draft Site Allocations and Policies (incorporating IP-One Area Action Plan) Development Plan Document. The Council is actively engaged with Suffolk County Council and the neighbouring councils of East Suffolk, (Suffolk Coastal / Waveney Councils) and Babergh / Mid Suffolk on strategic growth matters, through the Ipswich Strategic Planning Area Board (ISPA). The Ipswich Strategic Planning Area is an area that has long been used for strategic planning purposes around Ipswich and consists of the Borough Council area plus a number of surrounding parishes. A map showing the area covered by the ISPA Board is included in Chapter 8.
4.5 Work being undertaken through the Ipswich Strategic Planning Area Board includes joint evidence gathering and agreement on joint approaches to the scale and distribution of future growth, cross-boundary green infrastructure and strategic transport matters. Policies ISPA 1 – 4 of the Core Strategy Review sets out the Council's policy approach to the Ipswich Strategic Planning Area.
