Issue - meetings

To note the Planning Performance Report for October-December 2022.

In response to a question about an Ombudsman complaint, the Team Manager (Development Management) undertook to provide the details to Cllr Eleanor Jackson after the meeting.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell asked if future reports could contain a breakdown of enforcement investigations to detail whether cases had been closed due to successful enforcement action being taken or for another reason.  He also expressed concern about the increasing number of open cases.  The Team Manager (Development Management) responded that recent staff vacancies within the Enforcement Section had now been filled and this would have a positive impact on progressing enforcement investigations.

Cllr Eleanor Jackson thanked the Enforcement Team for their recent action in preventing a historic wall from being demolished.

In response to a question about why the number of Chair’s referrals to Planning Committee had decreased, Cllr Sally Davis confirmed that there were an increasing number of applications that were policy compliant.  She also reminded Members to ensure that they submitted their requests for an application to be referred to Committee in good time to enable the Chair and Vice-Chair to make a recommendation.

Members suggested that residents be given more notice of when applications were due to be considered by the Committee to allow them to make arrangements to attend meetings.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.