Agenda and minutes

Venue: This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClT1f_F5OfvTzxjZk6Zqn6g. View directions

Items
No. Item

57.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 111 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Committee held on 20 October 2020, as a correct record.

Minutes:

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Development and Conservation Advisory Committee held on 20 October 2020, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

58.

Declarations of interest

Any interests not already registered.

Minutes:

No additional declarations of interest were made.

 

59.

Actions from previous meeting

Minutes:

There were none.

60.

Update from Portfolio Holder

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder reported that performance was still strong on major and minor planning applications. 1238 applications had been processed since April 2020 which was within 3% of the same period the previous year.  83% of appeals had been dismissed which was up on the previous year, and some large planning applications were on the horizon.  Income was on budget despite the pandemic and Building Control had exceeded expectations.

 

There would be a Local Plan update at the next meeting as options were currently being considered. She took the opportunity to remind Members that there was still protection from the current Local Plan.  In response to a question, the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Officer for Planning & Regulatory Services advised that Neighbourhood Plans needed to accord with the Council’s Development Plan and could not introduce any additional protection.  That said, any Parish or Town Councils wishing to make progress on one could contact the planning policy team for bespoke advice.

 

61.

Referral from Cabinet or the Audit Committee

Minutes:

There were none.

62.

Innovation Update pdf icon PDF 107 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the Planning Improvement and Standards Manager and thanked her and her team, and all staff in general, for carrying on with the same high standard of provision of services. The Planning Improvement and Standards Manager presented the report and gave an informative presentation which updated Members on the work around existing and proposed innovation projects designed to improve efficiency, streamline processes, improve communication with customers and reduce unnecessary contact. 

Members took the opportunity to ask questions and make some suggestions.  It was advised that consistency was paramount and ideas needed to be examined along with any restrictions not within the Council’s control, but greater use of text alerts and ways to keep Members up to date with matters like enforcement actions, would be investigated.                                                                                                                    

It was hoped some practices used during the pandemic which freed up officer’s time, could continue.  In response to a question, the Deputy Chief Executive and Planning & Regulatory Officer advised that shortening the length of time given to a planning applicant to post an on-site notice could be looked at. 

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

63.

Work plan pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Minutes:

The work plan was noted with the addition of a Local Plan Update, Government Response to White Paper Consultation, and National Model Design Code consultation.

 

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