Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:  

At the 21 June 2011 Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting, Members agreed that consultation would be undertaken on proposals for the introduction of a scheme of charging for the provision of pre-application planning advice by Cambridge City Council.

The Officer’s report provided the results of the consultation on the establishment of a scheme of pre-application charging for Cambridge and also the Fringe sites that straddle the City and South Cambridgeshire.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Sustainable Transport:

(i) Approved the introduction of a pre-application advice scheme with associated charging schedule as set out in the Officer’s report. The scheme of charges would be reviewed each year as part of the council’s budget cycle process.

(ii) Approved that officers would look to implement the scheme immediately for the joint Fringe sites and from 1st November 2011 for elsewhere within the City. Due to the need to manage joint arrangements on the Cambridge Fringe sites the final detail of the establishment of the scheme to be delegated to the Head of Planning Services.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Head of Planning Services regarding pre-application charging.

In response to Member’s questions the Executive Councillor for Planning and Sustainable Transport confirmed the following:

(i) There was no anticipated impact on the service offered.

(ii) The intention was to operate a not for profit scheme, to impose merely a minimum fee for officer time.

(iii) The impact of charges on users would be reviewed annually. Eligible parties would be encouraged to apply for grants to cover costs, rather than trying to seek exemption from the charging scheme.

The committee resolved unanimously to adopt the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.