Most decisions on planning applications are made by Officers under delegated powers. Major or contentious applications are decided by the Planning Committee.
Any Councillor wishing to refer any other planning application to Committee must submit a pro-forma request slip within 28 days of the consultation period commencing. If the request slip is not submitted within this timescale then the application cannot be referred to Committee except in exceptional circumstances (for example, an application is particularly controversial or significant) and where it is agreed by one of the following; the Corporate Director of Regeneration, the Development Control or Service Manager, the Chair of the Planning Committee or Party Spokespersons.
As such, if a resident wants to speak to their local councillor about a planning application they are advised to do so as early in the process as possible so that the Councillor, if they consider it appropriate, can refer it to Planning Committee.
Planning officers attend the meeting in order to present each application to the Committee, and to assist and advise Councillors regarding the details of planning law and policy. In making the decision on a particular application, the Committee may or may not follow the planning officer’s recommendation.
After the application has been determined, a Decision Notice is sent to the applicant or to the applicant’s agent stating that the application has either been granted or refused. If the application is granted, the decision notice may specify the conditions under which planning permission has been given. These conditions should be read very carefully, and fully complied with when the development takes place.If the application is refused, the decision notice will explain why the proposal failed to receive planning permission.
Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012