Decision details

A Plan setting out the approach and policies towards planning enforcement within the district

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration seeking approval of the Local Enforcement Plan for consultation purposes.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the Chief Executive had been requested by the Scrutiny Committee to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of the Planning Services, with particular reference to the way that enforcement was carried out and how Members were engaged with the work of the Council in this service area.  The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) stated that the Local Planning Authority should consider a Local Enforcement Plan to manage enforcement appropriately; Members had before them a draft plan for consultation.  He highlighted the work of the Planning Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) with regard to their input into the plan as outlined in the report.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration responded to Miss Coffin’s statement and requested that this form part of the consultation process.  The PPAG had requested that investigation take place with regard to the role of Town and Parish Councils and Members with regard to enforcement matters and the possibility of creating an automated list of conditions following determination of planning applications, this was being looked into.

Consideration was given to:

·         The positive work taking place by current Enforcement Officers

·         The involvement of local Parish Councils

·         Whether there was the capacity for all the processes within the report to be achieved

·         Retrospective planning applications and the wording within the NPPF and national planning guidance

·         The need to resolve issues quickly

RESOLVED that: the Local Enforcement Plan be approved for public consultation purposes.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes