Issue - meetings

(Voting: 7 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention)

The Portfolio Holder for Protecting Core Services advised that the policy was being introduced to help the planning service achieve uniformity and improve performance and it was a result of the Planning Reimagined workshops.  He said the service was not currently working as well as it should be but the recent appointment of a new Lead Specialist would help this. The policy would ensure uniformity for both officers and Councillors to work together.  He invited questions on the proposed policy.

In response to a question, the Director for Service Delivery advised that if there were substantial amendments to a planning application then an extension of time to determine the application would be invoked as it often required re-consultation.  Minor amendments or typos would not be included in this.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee said that they had sought clarification on charges for very small applications i.e. aerials on listed buildings.  Some frustration had been expressed at the planning service however, in defence, it was acknowledged that the service was improving.  It was also noted that officers should be candid regarding information provided by applicants during the pre-application process so they were not given any false expectations. They also noted that reports on CIL funding were due to be presented to the Area Committees shortly.   He concluded that they endorse the adoption of the policy as an improvement to the service.

At the conclusion of the debate, a named vote was taken. Councillor Sarah Dyke abstained from voting as she had missed part of the debate due to technical issues.  Therefore the vote was 7 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention that the “Dealing with Planning Applications - Our Approach to Negotiation” document be approved by the Chief Executive.

(Voting: 7 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention)