Issue - meetings

The Assistant Director for Planning and Regulatory Services and the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity to submit a report which seeks the Council’s agreement to adopt a revised and updated Statement of Community Involvement.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity (and Deputy Leader) proposed the recommendations and provided a brief summary of the report.  The Portfolio Holder noted that the report set out the proactive approach that was being taken and provided clarity on the approach to consultation with the community on planning applications and planning policy documents.

The Leader seconded the motion.

During debate the following points were noted:

·         Training events on planning were very important for Parish Councils;

·         It was important to engage the public as early as possible to ensure all stakeholders are involved through key stages;

·         It was clear that some policy wording could be ambiguous and that those making decisions on applications must adopt a sensible and consistent approach when balancing relevant considerations in accordance with the development plan;

·         The Chair of Planning Committee and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity were available to discuss planning matters and were very involved in improving the quality of planning applications coming forward by involving developers, the community and key stakeholders, including Ward Councillors and Parish Councils; and

·         The document was the result of a lot of hard work and would be an useful reference document by Councillors.

RESOLVED

(1)  To NOTE the responses given to consultation comments as outlined in Appendix 3 of the report;

(2)  To APPROVE the adoption of the Statement of Community Involvement which appears at Appendix 1 of the report.