Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED:     1)         That the scheme of delegation be amended as set out in the report, and as attached to the report.

2)         That the operation of the scheme be reviewed in summer 2023, to assess the impact of the changes.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the scheme of delegation provides that balance between taking planning decisions under officer delegated powers and taking decisions at planning committee, and that is allows for an efficient and effective service for all customers

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Cabinet considered a report which proposed amendments to the current planning scheme of delegation. The scheme of delegation included the councillor call-in and sifting panel process. It was proposed to amend the scheme of delegation so councillors could have extra time to call-in an application to committee, and parish councils could also have their comments considered by sifting panel, in relation to re-consultation of amended/revised development proposals.

Other changes were also proposed, to bring the scheme more up to date, to clarify particular issues and to bring it into line with other policy/guidance.

The sifting panel was proposed to remain, as a key part of the process.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Moriarty presented the Corporate Performance Panels recommendation in support of the report.  Councillor Moriarty also requested that the sifting panel’s agenda be published in advance of the meeting.

In debating the content of the report Cabinet made reference to the fact that the sifting panel assisted in ensuring that large numbers of items didn’t have to go the full committee when there was not sufficient reasoning for them to do so. 

With regard to points raised at the Panel regarding Members’ and officers’ applications, clarification was given that existing councillors and officers applications were put to the full Committee, former councillors and those working in the industry were not, but they were monitored through such things as the audit route.  Further training for parish councils was also suggested to ensure that changes to legislation etc was imparted to them.  It was confirmed that this was planned.

The points raised regarding transparency were noted.

RECOMMENDED:     1)         That the scheme of delegation be amended as set out in the report, and as attached to the report.

2)         That the operation of the scheme be reviewed in summer 2023, to assess the impact of the changes.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the scheme of delegation provides that balance between taking planning decisions under officer delegated powers and taking decisions at planning committee, and that is allows for an efficient and effective service for all customers