Planning Policy and Local Plan Advisory Group	9 June 2026
Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

Planning Policy and Local Plan Advisory Group – Terms of Reference

Summary

1. Appended to this document are proposed Planning Policy and Local Plan advisory group  terms of reference (TOR).  The TOR document outlines the group's purpose, objectives, scope, membership, and responsibilities and clarifies the group's role and authority within the City of York Council's overall governance structure.

2. Following discussions at PPLPAG in June 2026, there have been minor revisions to TOR to address matters raised to address:

· Address the role and interaction between the Chair and vice Chair of Planning in relation to policy discussion, voting issues and escalation of issues;

· Feedback from the group should be to the relevant decision maker; and

· Ensure clarity of the groups recommendations as to areas of consensus and areas of diversion.

Recommendations

3. The Group is asked to:

i. Approve the Planning Policy and Local Plan Advisory Group Terms of   Reference.

Reason: To agree terms of reference for the advisory group.

Background

4. The Planning Policy and Local Plan Advisory Group has replaced the Local Plan Working Group. The purpose of the group is:

· Provide a forum for detailed cross-party Member engagement on the preparation, review and maintenance of the Local Plan and associated planning policy documents

· Enable Members to consider and discuss evidence, options and emerging policy approaches

· Offer informal advice, input and constructive challenge to officers and the Executive Member

· Support consensus-building across political groups, where possible

· Ensure that Members are appropriately informed at key stages of plan preparation

Consultation

5. Prior to its establishment, members of the predecessor cross-party group were invited to submit ideas and suggestions regarding the Group’s establishment and remit. The Chair, the Executive Member, and senior officers within the City Development Directorate were also consulted.

6. PPLPAG discussed the terms of reference in June 2026 which has informed the revised edition.

Options

7. The terms of reference are presented for consideration and discussion following amendments put forward in June 2026.

Analysis

8. It is good governance to establish effective cross-party advisory groups that are open to the public, encourage public participation, and comply with access to information requirements.

Council Plan

9. The terms of reference align with the Council Plan.

Implications

10. There are no implications as a result of the proposed terms of reference

Contact Details

Author:	Chief Officer Responsible for the report:
Author’s name Julie Gallagher Head of Democratic Services Co-Author’s Name Alison Cooke Head of Strategic Planning Tel No: 01904 551467	Director of Governance
	Report Approved	ü	Date	05/10/2026
Wards Affected:					All	x
For further information please contact the author of the report

Annex A Terms of Reference