Agenda item

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

It was RESOLVED that:

a)         the proposals set out be piloted for six months from August 2021;

b)         the pilot proposals be included in the Council’s Constitution (where necessary) and presented at Full Council on 1 July 2021; and

c)         a further report be brought to Cabinet after six months to consider the findings of the pilot period, with recommendations for Planning Committee changes going forward.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Economic Growth, Councillor Edyvean presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth outlining pilot proposals to improve the process and operation of Planning Committee meetings, with a view to delivering an improved performance.

Councillor Edyvean referred to the Planning Peer Challenge Review, which had taken place in 2017, and the successful changes that had been made to improve the process and operation of Planning Committee meetings, details of which were highlighted in the report. Cabinet was advised that given the lessons learnt over the last four years, it was now considered timely for another targeted review, to further improve the Committee by enhancing its ability to properly consider all the scheduled agenda items. The important role undertaken by Planning Committee and the significant reputational impact it had was acknowledged, and it was noted that the proposed pilot would monitor the changes over a six months period, with the findings reported back to Cabinet.  Councillor Edyvean confirmed that the proposals had been shared with Committee members and Group Leaders, and their comments and feedback had been considered.  Cabinet was advised that the most contentious change related to the timing of the Committee meeting, and due to the feedback received, on balance it had been agreed to introduce the new earlier start time; however, the pilot period would be reduced from 12 to six months.  It was noted that concerns had also been raised that Councillors were now being asked to comment on applications within the 21 days allotted period, as opposed to making late representations; however, it was confirmed that late representations could still be made if new information became available.

In conclusion, Councillor Edyvean emphasised that the proposal to hold daytime meetings had been compared with other local councils and it was noted that adopting an earlier start time would not be unusual. The diverse membership of those committees, including mixed age ranges was also noted, and it was hoped that the proposed changes would allow more Planning Officers the opportunity to present reports to the Committee, thereby improving working relationships between themselves and Councillors.  

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Moore referred to the emotive nature of planning for many and referred to the importance of ensuring that adequate time was given when considering complex applications, and it was hoped that the proposed changes would facilitate that.  Previous improvements to the process and operation of the Planning Committee were noted, and it was acknowledged that the process must be kept under review and it was pleasing to see that the pilot had been reduced to six months.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)         the proposals set out be piloted for six months from August 2021;

b)         the pilot proposals be included in the Council’s Constitution (where necessary) and presented at Full Council on 1 July 2021; and

c)         a further report be brought to Cabinet after six months to consider the findings of the pilot period, with recommendations for Planning Committee changes going forward.