Issue - meetings

The Chairman introduced this item as he had put forward the Overview and Scrutiny Topic Proposal in respect of the planning process and asked Members to consider including this within the work programme for the coming year.  The Chairman explained he had chosen this topic because the vast majority of communications he received from residents was in relation to some part of the planning process.  An investigation into the planning process would be beneficial in order to enhance the reputation of the Council.

Members aired concerns over the size of such an investigation and that this would take up the capacity of the Board in its entirety.  Although the proposal stated scrutiny of all areas of planning it would be necessary to break the process down into specific areas of planning and to concentrate on those areas of most concern to both Members and residents in the first instance.  The Board was also concerned about changes that were expected to take place following the implementation of the Localism Bill later in the year and discussed whether it would be appropriate to defer the topic until the Bill was in place. 

The Board was also concerned about the resources available to them, as this investigation would take up a large part of both the Board’s resources and officer time from the planning department.  After discussion it was agreed that Enforcement would be investigated initially with a view to this leading into further areas as the investigation progressed. The options for how the investigation would be carried out were considered and it was felt that an investigation, through both formal and informal meetings, by the Board would be appropriate. 

RESOLVED that the Board carry out an investigation into planning enforcement and consider further areas of the planning process for investigation on completion of the initial investigation.