Issue - meetings

Richard Stott, Team Manager – Planning and Enforcement, introduced the item.

Panel Members raised the following points and asked the following questions

Councillor Elliott asked how the Council monitors 106 agreements to check payments and that works are carried out as promised.

The officer explained that previously, case officers would check in on progress. There is now a database that monitors progress as soon as a planning application is granted – there are a series of flags alerting officers to carry out checks. Service areas report back to us on an annual basis and a report is published in December each year. Regarding a crossing referred to by Councillor Elliott, the officer explained that if this resulted from a 106 agreement and the money has been paid to the Council, it is up to the service area to update our department – the service area will have a programme of projects.

Councillor Elliott asked if the database was in use 7 years ago. The officer explained that projects were migrated over (the line was drawn at 1990). Most projects have a pay back clause of 5-10 years. Occasionally a 106 agreement slips the net, but this is rare and we would follow it up.

Councillor Furse thanked officers for enforcement work that is carried out. He asked about a development gain for Western Riverside – pedestrian access to Victoria Park. He asked why this has not been delivered when the money has been paid. The officer stated that he would double check on this but explained that project delivery is the responsibility of the service area. He also thought that the trigger may not have been reached.

Councillor Furse referred to Hope House, he explained that there was a planning gain for community benefit. He explained that land gets moved over from developer to developer, each take their profit and there is no money left for community benefit, they fail to deliver on their social responsibility. He stated that any enforcement that could be brought would be welcome. He added that sometimes planning gain can come out of change of use but local residents don’t seem to benefit.

Councillor MacFie asked about the input Parish and Town Councils have in 106 and CIL matters. The officer explained that regarding CIL – local areas get a portion, 15% to Town Councils and 25% if their have a neighbourhood plan. Regarding 106, he explained that there is not so much scope for Parish and Town Councils to have a say. He explained that this issue could be further explained at a Parish Liaison meeting.

Councillor Warrington asked if there is any mechanism to report back to Parish and Town Councils on how much money is left in the pot and also, is there a crib sheet with examples of community projects. The officer explained that a head figure could be provided but it would be up to the PC and TC to keep a record and report back (hyperlink in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40

This item will have a presentation at the meeting.

It was noted that this item has been deferred until the next meeting due to officer sickness.  The Panel sent their best wishes to the officer concerned.