The report reviewed the Council’s Planning and Building Control non-statutory fees and charges.  Current fees and charges had been benchmarked against the rates charged in other Essex councils and some East London Boroughs to gauge how Brentwood’s rates compare with similar services elsewhere in the area.

The evidence suggests that Brentwood is currently undercharging for the planning and building control services it provides.  It is therefore proposed to increase the planning and building control fees and charges to a more appropriate level given the level of service currently offered.  It is also proposed to review the planning and building control fees annually to ensure they reflect the services provided and prevalent market conditions in the development industry.  It is important for the Council to undertake an annual review of fees and charges moving forward as Council budgets continue to reduce and the need to increase income external sources such as fees and charges becomes increasingly important. The need for high quality and cost effective services, and for the modern planning service outlined on the three linked reports to the Committee, require an expansion of advice and reduction of tasks which delay efficiency or the achievement of key performance indicators

No increase in photocopying charges for Planning or  Building Control is proposed.

A very recent ruling in the High Court has struck out a fixed tariff monitoring fee of 5% in the administration of Section 106 Agreements. Examples of alternative practices in other authorities including that of the City of Newcastle were now being examined for best practice of recovery of inspection and monitoring costs where required and appropriate  in Section 106 Agreements

After a brief discussion a motion was MOVED by Cllr Aspinell and SECONDED by Cllr Baker to approve the recommendations 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 the Council’s Planning and Building Control non-statutory fees and charges be amended to the rates outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report,with effect from 1 April 2015.

1.            That all Planning and Building Control non-statutory fees and    charges are reviewed annually and revised where appropriate, as agreed by Head of Planning and Development and the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee.

3.               That in relation to recovery of costs relating to the inspection and monitoring of Section 106 Agreements, standard clauses be introduced with the agreement of the Head of Planning and Chair of Planning and Development.