Issue - meetings

The Report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the progress made in delivering the actions identified in the Action Plan on the Planning Peer Challenge recommendations be noted.

b)    the proposed changes to the public speaking protocol for Planning Committee, as detailed at Appendix 3 of the officer’s report be approved.

c)     that the Executive Manager – Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing and the Chairman of the Planning Committee be delegated authority to make minor changes to the public speaking protocol for Planning Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities which provided an update on the progress made in the delivery of the actions which were set in accordance with the recommendations of the planning peer challenge which had taken place in February 2017.  It was noted that the main recommendation of the Planning Peer Challenge had been to introduce controlled public speaking at Planning Committee.  The Portfolio Holder also noted the other recommendations as outlined in the officer’s report.

The Portfolio Holder was pleased to note that majority of the actions that addressed the recommendations had been completed, including changes to the Development Control Committee which included its renaming as the Planning Committee, the implementation of an earlier start time, a reduction in the size of the committee and the removal of ex-officio roles. It was also noted that an updated public speaking protocol had been attached to the report in which the Cabinet were asked to approve so that the amended protocol could be formally adopted.  

In seconding the recommendations, Councillor Moore endorsed the work of those who took part in the Planning Peer Challenge and noted that it was healthy for the Council to take part regularly in peer challenges in order to learn from best practice. Councillor Moore also endorsed the introduction of controlled public speaking at Planning Committee which he believed had improved the perception of transparency of the decision making process and of the Council.

Councillor Edyvean in endorsing the recommendations believed that the changes made with regard to the Planning Committee had enhanced the role of the ward Councillor and was pleased to note that the introduction of controlled public speaking was being delivered effectively.

Councillor Robinson was pleased to report positive feedback on the new procedures received from the Parish Councillors who had spoken at the Planning Committee. Councillor Robinson also noted his support for the introduction of the equal length of timings of those wanting to speak at Planning Committee.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the progress made in delivering the actions identified in the Action Plan on the Planning Peer Challenge recommendations be noted.

b)    the proposed changes to the public speaking protocol for Planning Committee, as detailed at Appendix 3 of the officer’s report be approved.

c)     that the Executive Manager – Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing and the Chairman of the Planning Committee be delegated authority to make minor changes to the public speaking protocol for Planning Committee.

Reason for decisions

The continued delivery of the action plan will ensure the Council’s planning services are aligned to delivering the significant growth agenda. Furthermore, public engagement with the planning service has been enhanced through improved committee procedures, including but not limited to controlled public speaking.