Agenda and minutes

Parish Councils' Forum - Tuesday 30th September 2008 6.30 p.m.

Venue: The Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove. View directions

Contact: Andy C. Stephens

Items
No.	Item
1.	Apologies for absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Mr. J. Bradley and Mr. C. R. Scurrell (Belbroughton Parish Council), Mrs. R. Mullett (Hunnington Parish Council and Romsley Parish Council) and Mrs. S. J. Baxter (Wythall Parish Council)
2.	Minutes of the last meeting of the Parish Councils' Forum held on 24th June 2008 and matters arising PDF 33 KB View the background to item 2. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Councils' Forum held on 24th June 2008 were submitted. It was AGREED that the minutes be approved as a correct record.
3.	Consultation with Parish Councils PDF 32 KB View the background to item 3. (a) on applications for Certificates of Lawfulness for an Existing Use or Development; and (b) on public speaking at Planning Committee Additional documents: Consultation with Parish Councils on public speaking at Planning Committee , item 3. PDF 28 KB Minutes: (a) Certificates of Lawfulness Mrs. C. Felton, the Council's Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services detailed the processes and procedures relating to applications for Certificates of Lawfulness for existing uses or development (CLEUDs). She explained that, whilst the relevant legislation did not specifically require the Council to consult with the parish councils in respect of CLEUD applications, the Council recognised that the parish councils were seeking to take part in the planning process. In order for the parish councils to participate in the CLEUD process, it was proposed that information about applications received could be placed on the Council's website so that the parishes could stay informed as to the current CLEUD applications. In addition, the Head of Planning and Environment Services stated that the Council's Enforcement Officer could also inform the parish councils of the details relating to each application as and when a decision is made on a CLEUD application. However, he drew attention to the differences between applications for CLEUDs and applications for Certificates of Lawfulness for Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUDs). Mrs. Felton added that the Council was not legally obliged to inform the parish councils of applications for CLEUDs but stated that, in the interests of working together with the parishes, the Council were seeking a way in which they could be notified. She also stated that each parish council would need to appoint up to three members who would act as a contact with the District Council in order for comments to be forwarded, and that a trial period for this mechanism of, for example, six months would enable both the District Council and the parish councils determine whether this arrangement would adequately address the issues raised. (b) Public Speaking at Planning Committee The Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services informed the Forum that the District Council was investigating the extension of public speaking at meetings of the Planning Committee to parish councils, and the comments of the parish representatives were being sought. The Head of Planning and Environment Services stated that a parish councillor or clerk would need to ensure that they speak with the authority of the parish council they are representing and not speaking in a personal capacity. It was proposed that a report be made to the Planning Committee seeking their approval to such a scheme, the details of which would be finalised at the end of the year.
4.	Co-opted members of certain Parish Council Committees and application of Code of Conduct View the background to item 4. Presentation by Mr. J. Cypher, Parish Councils' representative on Bromsgrove District Council's Standards Committee. Minutes: Mrs. D. Warren, Senior Solicitor, stated that a query had been received in respect of the District Council's Standards Committee, as to whether co-opted members of the public and / or parish councillors are required to complete a Register of Interests declaration. In answer to the query, she stated that a form does indeed need to be completed if any person takes part in a decision making role. Mrs. Warren also reminded the parish council representatives that the parish councillors are required to complete a Register of Interests declaration and each parish council needs to submit a copy of their respective Code of Conduct.
5.	Upcoming Changes in Planning Procedures - Information for Parish Councils View the background to item 5. Presentation by Mr. D. Birch, Area Planning Manager, to explain the changes to the General Development Order that are due to come into force on 1 October 2008. Minutes: At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr. D. Birch, Area Planning Manager (West) addressed the Forum and detailed the changes to the Town and Country Planning Act General Development Order due to be implemented on 1st October 2008. He explained the extension of the rights under Permitted Development, together with the major changes in the volume based approach to a new impact based system, and gave a brief overview of the different classes which would no longer require planning permission. The Head of Planning and Environment Services added that the Planning Portal (www.planning-portal.gov.uk) had an "interactive house" which he considered was a very useful and straightforward guide to the changes in planning legislation. After answering a number of questions, the Chairman thanked Mr. Birch for his informative presentation.
6.	Updates View the background to item 6. (i) on the Concordat and revised timetable; and (ii) Concurrent functions Minutes: (a) Parish Council Concordat The Chairman reported that the draft Concordat was not quite ready for consideration at the meeting but anticipated that it would be available for consultation during mid-October 2008. (b) Concurrent Functions The County Association of Local Councils had raised a question in respect of the former concurrent functions arrangements. The Chairman responded that the District Council would work with the individual parish councils with a view to establishing service level agreements which could be incorporated within the Council's budget.
7.	Parish Council Casual Vacancies PDF 17 KB View the background to item 7. Minutes: Mr. A. Stephens stated that the information relating to the parish councils casual vacancies had been included on the agenda for information only and that any questions should be referred to Mrs. S. Mould, the Elections Services Manager.
8.	Longbridge Development in the Current Economy PDF 17 KB View the background to item 8. Minutes: The Chairman reported that St. Modwen's Developments had temporarily suspended their work at Longbridge in view of the current economic situation. Mr. P. Street, Executive Director - Partnerships and Projects, added that the Area Action Plan process was still under way, comprising land in both the Bromsgrove area and in Birmingham. An Inspector had been appointed in respect of the Area Action Plan who was considering the documentation, together with the comments and representations which had been submitted. He anticipated that the adopted Action Plan would be implemented in February 2009. Although St. Modwen's had submitted a planning application, Mr. Street stated that the developers would be waiting for an upturn in the economy before any building works commenced. The Head of Planning and Environment Services gave further details about the planning infrastructure for the site, being dealt with by Birmingham City Council, Worcestershire County Council, Advantage West Midlands and the District Council. The Area Action Plan would also investigate the viability of the entire scheme, but it was reported that there would be a delay of up to two years before development commenced.