Issue - meetings

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel is invited to comment on the Planning Services Update Report.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson

By means of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Planning Services Update was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Corney, the Panel heard that the Amendment programme serves a purpose to ensure we provide an equitable service. Amendments are accepted on large-scale major applications and pre-application submissions are the forum for discussion of planning applications. The team were happy to listen to feedback from members in moving forward.

In response to a further question from Councillor Corney, the Panel heard that work was being undertaken on CIL governance with an ambition to have another CIL round in Spring 2024. Details likely to be brought back to the Panel. Applications would be invited after this.

The Panel heard that the Annual Infrastructure Funding Statement would be brought through the democratic cycle in December 2023 and would provide updates on projects.

Following a question on the reduction in agency fees from Councillor Slade, the Panel heard that following successful recruitment campaigns, many positions had been filled permanently but the team continue to monitor contractor costs.

In response to a question from Councillor Wells, the Panel heard that Town and Parish Councils were encouraged to engage with the team in regards to the work on the Local Plan, and that the team were open to suggestions from Members on the best way to effectively achieve this.

Councillor Gardener expressed concern that the Call for Sites had created confusion in some Parishes. In response, the Panel heard that a frequently asked questions section was being developed for the website to help alleviate these concerns.

Councillors Pickering and Gleadow praised the work done by the team in the progress made thus far, a sentiment which was shared by the Panel.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations contained within the report.