Decision details

RESOLVED: That Full Council

(1)   Approved the proposed amendments to the Planning Control Committee’s Terms of Reference as per 8.1 of this report, with the deletion of the word “Ward”, in lines 2 and 11 of the proposed changes to section 8.4.5(c)(iii) of the Planning Control Committee’s Terms of Reference.

(2)   Approved the removal of Appendices 1-2 to Section 8 of the Constitution.

(3)   Agreed the proposed Procedure for Speaking at the Planning Control Committee (Appendix A), with the replacement of the words “Ward Member with Member” in paragraphs 1.5, and with the deletion of paragraph 1.9.

(4)   Agreed to the principle, that if the Procedure at 2.2 required further amendment, that the Monitoring Officer may do so in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Planning Control Committee, and the Group Leaders, including changes to 6.1 and 6.2 to make them conform with the procedure as amended in 8.4.5 (c)(iii).

(4) A)   Whilst this is not a formal resolution, the following should be taken into account by the Monitoring Officer, in finalising the Procedure, in respect of section 1.5 to 1.8 be amended as follows:

(i)             Section 1.5, bullet points 1 and 3:

“Objectors” Group – a maximum of 3 persons against approval of the application, the speaking time will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and the right to address the Committee is confined to persons who have previously made written representations on the application (either as an individual or as part of a consulted group during the consultation). 

“Supporters” Group – a maximum of 3 persons in favour of approval of the application and the right to address the Committee is confined to persons who have previously made written representations on the application (either as an individual or as part of a consulted groups during the consultation).

(ii)            Section 1.6 

In the case of “Objectors” and “Supporters”, no more than three people may speak on an application.

(iii)           Section 1.7

In the case of “Objectors” and “Supporters” the time allocated to each speaker is 3 minutes, however, should there be only one objector or support the time allocated to each speaker is 5 minutes. This time limit is strictly adhered to.

(iv)           Section 1.8

In the case of a Major application or being of significant public interest, the Chair may agree to extend the speaking time allocated to each “group”. Any request to extend the speaking time should be made to the Chair in writing by 5pm, three clear working days prior to the meeting date. The Committee, Member & Scrutiny Team will be advised/ and then advise all registered speakers of the extension. Any agreed extension of time shall be offered to all registered speakers.

(5)   Approved the amendments detailed in 8.6 regarding delegations to attest the affixing of the Council’s Common Seal.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: Recommendations 2.1-2.3 are to deal with a number of situations that have arisen over the last year (or so). Recommendation 2.3-2.4 allows for greater flexibility to update a Council Procedure, rather than making this a Constitutional matter, when amendments are required. Recommendation 2.5 is for practical resource reasons for attesting/ sealing documents.