Issue - items at meetings - Charging for pre-application planning advice

Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That the Committee:

1)    Agree to the two stage phased  approach to the introduction of charges for pre-application advice as set out in paragraphs 3.11 and 3.12. 

2)    Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development &  Housing  to negotiate the terms of bespoke, cost neutral PPAs on major development schemes as part of a pre-application advice service.

3)    Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to proceed with the procurement  and subsequent award of a contract to provide cost neutral, multidisciplinary expert design review advice to the LPA.   

50.1       The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Introduction of Charges to Cover Costs for Pre-Application Planning Advice, Planning Performance Agreements and Design Review. The purpose of the report was to provide information setting out the case for the introduction of charging for pre-application advice.

50.2       Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report and stated that his group were also in favour of planning performance agreements. Whilst the Group had current concerns about the level of planning service being provided it was hoped this would lead to greater consistency and quicker approvals of schemes. He added that the Conservative Group would support the recommendations.

50.3       Councillor Sykes noted his support for this approach, and in response to a query it was confirmed that the proposed scheme would be cost neutral for the Council.

50.4       The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

50.5       RESOLVED – That the Committee:

1)        Agree to the two stage phased approach to the introduction of charges for pre-application advice as set out in paragraphs 3.11 and 3.12. 

2)        Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development &  Housing  to negotiate the terms of bespoke, cost neutral PPAs on major development schemes as part of a pre-application advice service.

3)        Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to proceed with the procurement and subsequent award of a contract to provide cost neutral, multidisciplinary expert design review advice to the LPA.