Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Member Services Manager, the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that the Charter be approved for a further three years subject to the amendments highlighted in Appendix 1.

Arising from a *report of the Member Services Manager, the Community Policy Development Group recommended that the Charter be approved for a further three years subject to the amendments highlighted within Appendix 1

The Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being outlined the contents of the report highlighting the history of the charter, the review and consultation process that had taken pace and the direct link to the Corporate Plan.  He felt that the amendments made to the charter were sensible and therefore hoped that the recommendation of the PDG would be approved.

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

(Proposed by Cllr C R Slade and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

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

To receive a report presenting the findings of a review into the Charter between Mid Devon District Council and the Town and Parish Councils in Mid Devon.

The Group had before it a report * from the Member Services Manager presenting the findings of a review into the Charter between Mid Devon District Council and the Town and Parish Councils in Mid Devon.

The officer outlined the contents of the report, highlighting consultation that had taken place with the Town and Parish Councils and amendments that had been made.

With reference to a question asked at Public Question time by Cllr P Talbot, Chairman of Stoodleigh Parish Council, the officer explained that the question referred to a Motion regarding permitted development at Full Council on 14^th December 2016.  The outcome of the Motion was that a letter had been sent to the Secretary of State in January 2017 and a response was received on 6^th February 2017.  This response had been circulated to all Members. The response had talked in detail about permitted development and in particular regulations regarding site displays on or near the land to be developed and serving a notice to adjoining land owners.  Legislation did not state that it was a requirement to consult with Town and Parish Councils but it was up to the Local Authority to consult further if they so wished.

Permitted Development, which was introduced in April 2015, allowed a change of use from an agricultural building to alternative uses such as shops, financial and professional services, restaurants or cafes for example. The right was subject to criteria and consideration by the Local Planning Authority on whether prior approval was required, in relation to certain impacts, which applied where the cumulative floor space of buildings exceededing 150 square metres and could only be considered on the transport and highways impact of the development, noise impact of the development, contamination risks on the site and flooding risk. Below this floor space there was no requirement to consider these issues.

The officer further explained that the authority only had 56 days-notice following application to respond or development could begin.  This did not allow much time for consultation, however site notices would be displayed and Town and Parish Councils could comment at this stage.  This information had been conveyed to Mr Talbot at the time.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Charter be approved for a further three years subject to the amendments highlighted in Appendix 1.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: - Report * previously circulated and attached to the Minutes.