Issue - meetings

That the further analysis of the Planning Service’s performance for 2012/13 and update on Quarter 1 for 2013/14 be noted, acknowledging the improvements that had begun to take hold in Quarter 4 and those planned for 2013/14.

The Head of Planning introduced a report to further analyse the performance of the Planning Service, particularly in Quarters 2 and 3 of 2012/13, which had been reported to Cabinet in March 2013.  Copies of updated information on performance indicators for Quarter 1 of 2013/14 were circulated to compare to 2012/13 year outturns.  An update was also provided on the role of the Conservation Officer, enforcement of planning conditions and inter-departmental consultations.

Councillor A.I. Dunbar welcomed the report which showed excellent progress in all aspects of planning applications.  Responding to queries on applications with Section 106 Agreements, the Head of Planning acknowledged the time needed by the Planning Committee to clear the backlog and said that the majority of planning applications with Section 106 Agreements must be considered by the Committee.

With respect to enforcement issues and the time taken to take formal action, it was recognised that some applicants were exploiting the system through the submission of retrospective applications which would need to be determined prior to Formal notices being served..  When asked about direct action, he gave an example of the outcome of the unauthorised gypsy encampment in Essex.

The Chairman asked about the effectiveness of liaison between Legal and Planning in dealing with problems.  The Head of Planning felt that there was a good relationship between the two sections with advice efficiently given but suggested that there may be issues with the availability of resources on more complex cases.  He added that officers were endeavouring to simplify the process on Section 106 Agreements to speed up the process.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment was aware of issues on Section 106 Agreements and gave assurance that he received regular updates on cases.  He felt that the situation had improved and agreed that there were issues about resources on complex cases which was being addressed corporately.

Councillor C.A. Thomas said that pre-planning discussion was required to provide guidance to applicants and would pursue this with the Head of Planning outside the meeting.  The Chairman said that the Committee had previously stressed the importance of pre-planning discussion to avoid problems further down the line.  On a further query, the Head of Planning said that officers were working with Town and Community Councils to provide information on key applications with Section 106 Agreements within their areas and that further information could be sought from Claire Leaney.

On the downturn in the determination of minor planning applications within 8 weeks, Councillor G.H. Bateman sought clarity on the ‘increased emphasis on negotiating quality’.  The Head of Planning explained that this was about finding solutions before submission of the application thus avoiding delays arising from negotiations later in the process.  Following a further query, he advised that the statement made by Carl Sargeant AM had reflected changes to extend permitted development rights leading to greater flexibility on planning permissions and the potential for a reduction in householder planning applications.  He added that guidance and criteria had been issued by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21