Agenda item

RESOLVED

Unanimously

That it be agreed to

·                    AUTHORISE the temporary amendment of the list of matters that are reserved to Planning Committee’s A, B and C and to Strategic Planning Committee in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation set out on page 311 of the Council’s Constitution to enable the following matters to be delegated to officers (unless the recommendation is for refusal):

·                    APPROVE the threshold of objections for applications being required to go to Planning Committee for decision to be raised from 3 to 5

·                    APPROVE that any application with an amenity society objection to be subject to case review with Chair to determine whether it is referred to planning committee for a decision

·                    APPROVE that applications with 5-9 objections to be subject to case review with Chair to determine whether it is referred to planning committee for a decision;

And

·                    AGREE that the above changes to working practices will be reviewed by the Strategic Planning Committee after a further 6 month period expiring on 10^th March 2021.

The Service Group Manager introduced the report and highlighted to Members reasons for a decision to temporarily amend matters in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation (SoD) that were reserved to Planning Committees A, B and C, and to Strategic Planning Committee.  It was stated that the current proposal recommended that the temporary measures, which were initially agreed on 9 June for a period of three months should be extended to 10 March 2021.  The Officer stated that the extended timeline would enable the Planning Service to continue to operate efficiently and ensure that it remains able to meet its statutory responsibility to determine the full range of planning applications in a timely fashion.

The Committee noted the report and the rationale for the proposal.  It was understood that the changes to the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, which were made at the time the initial temporary measures were agreed, would continue to remain effective throughout the extended period.

In response to questions raised, the Officer reiterated to Members that the changes and extended timeline were publicised on the Council’s internet.  In addition to that, key stakeholders were notified.  It was stated that a number of responses were received, and the concerns which they raised were reproduced in the addendum report.  Members also received confirmation that the safeguards initially implemented would remain throughout the extended period, in order to ensure transparency and democratic accountability in decision making.

Continuing with his response, the Officer advised Members that arrangements for considering planning applications during the current crisis would vary because each council had to identify its own threshold markers for referring planning applications to committees.  However, Lewisham’s thresholds were lower in comparison to many other London boroughs, but the temporary proposed measures had brought it in line with the general picture across London boroughs.

Councillor Kevin Bonavia, a Member of the Committee, and also Cabinet Member for Democracy, Refugees and Accountability, emphasised that the system in place should remain accountable in light of recommendations from the Council’s recent review on local democracy.  Councillor Bonavia stated that it was vital for Members and officers to actively consult and liaise with objectors and applicants at the outset, and consider feedback and responses in time, with a view to submitting improved applications to planning committees.  Commenting on restrictions relating to face-to-face contacts as a result of the current pandemic, Councillor Bonavia suggested that residents and local amenity groups could lobby on planning applications via the telephone, emails, and/or make appointments for virtual meetings with their respective ward councillors.

In considering submissions made at the meeting, Members agreed that the Council should be supported to continue meeting its statutory duties.  However, the temporary measures should not be viewed as a precedent.  Views expressed by Councillor Bonavia that residents and local amenity societies should continue to be consulted about development proposals was also echoed.

The Committee voted on the proposals and

RESOLVED

Unanimously

That the following be agreed for a time-limited 6 months’ period expiring on 10^th March 2020:

·                    AUTHORISE the temporary amendment of the list of matters that are reserved to Planning Committee’s A, B and C and to Strategic Planning Committee in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation set out on page 311 of the Council’s Constitution to enable the following matters to be delegated to officers (unless the recommendation is for refusal):

·                    APPROVE the threshold of objections for applications being required to go to Planning Committee for decision to be raised from 3 to 5

·                    APPROVE that any application with an amenity society objection to be subject to case review with Chair to determine whether it is referred to planning committee for a decision

·                    APPROVE that applications with 5-9 objections to be subject to case review with Chair to determine whether it is referred to planning committee for a decision.