Decision details

To receive a report presenting Members with steps to introduce cost recovery into the Growth, Economy and Delivery Service and to look at issues relating to further commercialisation within the service.

Arising from a report of the Head of Planning Economy and Regeneration presenting the steps necessary to introduce cost recovery into the Growth, Economy and Delivery Service, and providing an update with regard to potential next steps for further commercialisation within the service, the Economy PDG had made the following recommendation:

a)    The bill of charges for economic development related advice with regard to the planning process laid out in Section 2.0 be approved.

b)    Officers be tasked with seeking LGA funding to help investigate opportunities within the service for further commercialisation including the potential to develop a commercial arm for the delivery of some discretionary services.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the idea of recouping costs related to the discretionary services provided by the Planning Service and focussed on planning performance agreements and pre-application advice.  The second part of the report focussed on commercialisation and how the Council could get involved strategically through property acquisition, commercial employment sites and business opportunities which would bring in an income for the authority.  There was a need to tailor the department’s strengths using the commercial corridors available in the area and therefore the recommendation to seek funding via the Local Government Association was encouraged.

Consideration was given to:

·         Planning Performance Agreements and the delivery of permissions within agreed timescales

·         The commercialisation project would be an exciting opportunity with a view to providing incubator space and start up areas owned by the council for local businesses.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.