Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the adoption of the updated Planning Enforcement Policy be approved; and

b)               the Director – Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to make minor updates to the Policy as required.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth outlining proposed amendments to the Planning Enforcement Policy.

Councillor Upton stated that since the adoption of the current Policy in 2021, there had been relevant changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other legislation, and the proposed revisions took into account those changes. The NPPF recommended that local planning authorities should consider publishing a local enforcement policy, to effectively manage enforcement in a way appropriate to their area. Councillor Upton referred to the importance of enforcing planning control to protect the local environment, with a policy that clearly set out the Council’s approach when investigating alleged breaches. Cabinet noted that a failure to deliver an effective service could negatively impact public confidence in the planning regime and the Council’s reputation. The amended Planning Enforcement Policy, attached as Appendix A to the report ensured compliance with legislation and statutory guidance and promoted consistent enforcement decisions.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis endorsed this important Policy and stated that it was important that the Council clearly stated how it would effectively deal with enforcement, as positive action would act as a deterrent. 

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the adoption of the updated Planning Enforcement Policy be approved; and

b)               the Director – Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to make minor updates to the Policy as required.