Agenda item

To consider a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration regarding the revised Mid Devon Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) July 2020, and also temporary amendments in light of Government restrictions on people’s movement and the need for social distancing.

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration regarding the revised Mid Devon Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) July 2020, and also temporary amendments in light of Government restrictions on people’s movement and the need for social distancing.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) set out in detail how the Council would consult on local plans, Supplementary Planning Documents and planning applications.

The Council’s existing SCI was adopted in 2016. And a review had been undertaken to take account of the following:

• The revised National Planning Policy Framework (2019)
• The Council’s policies for giving advice in relation to neighbourhood planning
• Changes to Government legislation and a review of cost implications associated with consultation on planning applications.

The Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration then addressed the meeting stating that the SCI also proposed a series of temporary amendments due to Covid-19 and restrictions on movement and gatherings.

Section 6.0 set out the level of support to be provided by the Council at each stage of the neighbourhood plan preparation process including area designation, submission, examination, referendum and adoption. It also set out additional optional support that the Council may be able to provide.  In relation to planning applications, the revised documents set out  how the authority consulted on planning applications and the different methods used, both electronic communications and neighbour notification letters.  The document also set out how communication would take place with regard to plan making and local plans.  The draft SCI had been considered by the Planning Policy Advisory Group (PPAG), the report would be updated  to include all the amendments arising from the PPAG before it was presented to Council.

Consideration was given to:

·         Whether viability information would be published

·         The need to consider under represented groups and how we would consult with residents via non-electronic means

·         Neighbourhood Plans and the 2 stages of consultation and for Ward Members to receive the Council’s draft responses to the consultation

·         The need to increase liaison with customers electronically

·         The need for ‘Public Access’ to be kept updated in a timely manner so that documents could  be in order and clearly identifiable

·         The request that the Planning Committee to be provided with copies of policy documents for reference

·         In the summary of planning application processes, that outline applications can include access

·         The S106 Governance report that was expected

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

(Proposed by Cllr G Barnell and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)

Reason for decision

So that the Council can meet its legal requirements under Section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004. A decision is also needed to recommend the grant of delegated authority to review and update or withdraw the temporary amendments should Government advice or the Regulations be amended.

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