Agenda item

Local Enforcement Policy (1-15-33)

To consider a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration outlining the comments received following public consultation undertaken together with resultant changes to the Enforcement Plan.

Minutes:

The Cabinet had before it a *report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration outlining the comments received following public consultation undertaken together with resultant changes to the Enforcement Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating the Local Enforcement Plan had been considered in draft form in January 2017 and had been out to consultation; consideration of the comments received had been discussed at the Planning Policy Advisory Group. He highlighted the investigation of reported breaches of planning control set out in the report and the prioritisation process suggesting some changes to the wording and the response times for the highest and high priority cases.

Consideration was given to:

· The highest and high priority cases and although the wording with the enforcement plan was setting expectation it was suggested that officers would attend a reported high priority case as quickly as possible.

· The need for conditions on planning approvals to be sensible and enforceable.

RECOMMENDED to Council: that subject to the following amendments to the wording on page 176 of the report:

In order that we are able to use the resources available most effectively, we prioritise all cases received. The Council has a range of powers to address urgent issues of public safety. Reference to responding to public safety concerns below is in a planning enforcement context only. Prioritisation in connection with planning enforcement complaints is as follows:

Highest Priority:

Where it appears that urgent enforcement action under planning legislation may be essential to safeguard amenity or public safety in the locality or to prevent serious or irreversible harm to the environment in the surrounding area.

Unauthorised works that are in the process of being seriously detrimental to the character of a Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument, Conservation Area or Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

Works that are currently taking place to protected trees or hedgerows.

Response time – 90% of first site visits before the end of the next working day following registration.

High Priority:

Where it appears that enforcement action under planning legislation may be essential to safeguard amenity or public safety in the locality or to prevent serious or irreversible harm to the environment in the surrounding area.

The unauthorised works or use of land or buildings that present a danger to the public.

Unauthorised works that could be seriously detrimental to the character of a Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument, Conservation Area or Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

Unauthorised development that causes serious harm yet has gone undetected and the statutory time limit for taking enforcement action is imminent.

Works to protected trees or hedgerows.

Response time – first site visit within 3 working days of registration

The Local Enforcement Plan be adopted and that delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration to make minor changes to the document to update contact and service information.

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr R L Stanley)

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

Supporting documents: