Decision details

RESOLVED: Members of the LDWG noted the contents of the report and the changes that have already been implemented:

§  Use of closed sessions in planning committees for legal advice

§  Uploading of PowerPoint officer presentations for planning committee members

§  The preparation and use of committee informal protocol notes

§  The use of external planning training to support planning committee members

§  Permanent changes to the plan making sections of the SCI, following public consultation

§  The temporary COVID-19 related planning changes and the learning from those

In addition, they agreed:

§  Changes and improvements to the Planning web pages

§  Officers progress updates to the Local Information Requirements to require the submission community audit to accompany every major development

§  The development of a weekly list of applications for ward Cllrs to replace direct notifications

§  The introduction of regular pre-application reviews for strategic cases (virtual)

§  Preparation and updating of informal written protocols for how committees are undertaken to aid with public understanding and perception

§  Officers develop and set up a programme of member training and engagement

§  Greater use of the existing planning IT system to enable the public to monitor planning application progress

§  New acknowledgement letters prepared to be emailed when an application is received

§  Development of public consultation advice for developers and landowners for publication

§  Prepare proposals for a new SCI and any necessary associated changes to undertake engagement with relevant stakeholders including:

§  A period of engagement with community groups as to how best to formally recognise them

§  A period of engagement with Members and the public regarding possible revisions to planning committees

They also agreed the further development by officers of the approach to the automatic publication of letters of objection (to follow the latest legal guidance).