The Government had recently announced several planning reforms, some confirmed and in place and other proposals for consultation. These included changes to the Use Classes Order (September 2020); reforms proposed in the Planning for the Future, White Paper (August 2020); and changes proposed to the current planning system (August 2020).

The paper gave an overview of the current changes and proposed reforms.

The recommended response on behalf of the Council to the Planning White Paper consultation is set out in Appendix A of the report. This included reference to concerns raised by the Local Government Association (LGA) regarding keeping planning local, and those made by the Wildlife Trusts regarding the need to address nature and climate issues.

Appendix B provides a one-page guide to the use classes order changes. Conclusions to the proposed consultation response included support for the need to reform and streamline planning, but that this should not be at the expense of local decision making and public involvement. Reforms should not be rushed and consideration should be given to the wider issues of housing delivery nationally rather than solely blame the planning system. Reforms presents an opportunity to make a real difference on issues such as climate change, health and wellbeing, the natural environment and active travel. Unfortunately, it was considered that the White Paper is too quiet on many of these matters or that further detail was required.

After a full discussion, Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED an amendment to the recommendation to state:

R1. That delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Economy, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee, to amend Appendix A according to comments raised by the committee and respond to the consultation.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

R1. That delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Economy, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee, to amend Appendix A according to comments raised by the committee and respond to the consultation.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Council is the local planning authority for the borough. It is responsible for planning decisions and planning for the future. The White Paper proposes reforms that will impact on those processes. Appendix A of the report sets out a proposed response to the consultation for Members to consider.

(Cllr Mynott declared a non pecuniary interest that he was a member of the Woodland Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.)