Decision details

To consider the updated code and provide feedback to the Executive Councillor.

The committee received a report from the Head of Planning Services regarding the Planning Code of Good Practice.

In response to members’ questions the Head of Planning Services said the following:

       i.          Changes made to the Code under Section 4 enabled Councillors to take a more active role in applications in their Wards without the fear of bias or predetermination. However there was a need to approach all planning applications with an open mind and be able to weigh up all arguments up until the point a decision is made.

The committee thanked for the officer for a detailed report.

The Deputy Independent Person proposed, and the committee supported, the following additional recommendations:

       i.          That the Code be circulated to all Councillors, not just those on the Planning Committee.

     ii.          That the Code be reviewed every 3 years.

Resolved (unanimously) to:

       i.          Endorse the approval of the updated Planning Code of Good Practice.

     ii.          Recommend circulation of the final Code to all Councillors, not just those on the Planning Committee.

   iii.          Recommend that the Code be reviewed every 3 years.