Agenda and minutes

To elect a chairman for the meeting.

Noted that Councillor Sandler was the permanent Chairman of the meeting.

The attached request to review the protocol for planning site visits was referred to this meeting.

An extract from the Planning Protocol regarding site visits is also attached.

The group considered a request for a review of procedures at planning site visits which had been referred to this meeting by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

After discussion about the issues at recent visits, it was felt that further guidance should be drafted for both members and public attending such visits to avoid the perception of pre-determination and to ensure that there is a consistent approach during each visit.

It was agreed that further guidance should be drafted split into two documents, one aimed at members and the second at other interested parties. It was proposed that these documents form supplementary guidance to the Council’s Planning Protocol.

It was agreed that an item be placed on each planning committee to reiterate the process for future visits. It will also be sent to members, applicants and objectors (if known) when a site visit is organised and that the Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development meet with officers to ensure a consistent approach.

Agreed:

(1)        That officers prepare guidance on undertaking planning site visits for inclusion as supplementary information in the Council’s Planning Protocol for consideration by both the District Development Control and Standards Committees;

(2)        That the Planning Subcommittees be asked to note this guidance in undertaking future site visits and an item placed on their forthcoming agenda on the matter;

(3)        That this guidance be published on the Council’s website, sent to members, applicants and objector (if known) when a site visit is organised

Members to raise any other matter of business

(a)        Positive and Proactive Planning Statements

Councillor Smith asked if Officers could circulate some example paragraphs for use at future meetings. This was agreed.