The report laid out proposals to improve delivery of the Council’s planning services for recommendation to Full Council, where necessary 

The proposals are for early engagement of Members by an e-mail alert of valid applications in the Ward or Parish to be sent daily at 9 p.m. - before neighbour notifications are received. Members who wish to track progress of an application will be provided with status updates throughout its progress. Members can register an interest in any application, but only Ward Members and the Chair Vice-Chair would be able to request Call-In with a revised pro forma.  The Chair would have the final decision after discussion with the Head of Planning.   

Training and Guidance Notes to be new system will be circulated and given to all Members and Parish Councils who request them.

A Member informed the Chair of his visit to Eastbourne Council to view recent transformation within their  Planning Department. The Chair suggested that the Committee extend an invitation to Eastbourne Council to learn about their process of transformation.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Baker and SECONDED by Cllr Mynott to approve the recommendation set out in the report.

For:                 Cllr Aspinell, Baker, Carter, Chilvers, Cloke, Hossack, Mrs                        Hones, McCheyne, Morrissey, Mynott and Parker (11)

Against:         (0)

Abstain:         (0)

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY

1.    That all planning decisions to be delegated to the Head of Planning other than for those retained to the Committee, or referred to the Committee, as set out in the revised delegation arrangements and call-in referral  protocols.

2.    The replacement of the weekly list production by email alert of validated applications and method of call-in of planning applications by Ward Members, Parish Councils or Chair /Vice Chair to Committee.

3.    That enforcement issues (including injunctions/stop notices/ prosecutions and listed building offences) be determined having regard to the Planning Enforcement Plan when adopted.

4.   That revised planning protocols, delegation arrangements and other Constitutional changes to implement the above are recommended to the Council meeting on the 24th March 2015.

5.    That the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of Planning and Development Committee be authorised to make any non material changes needed to the Appendices before publication.