Agenda item

*The meeting adjourned for intermission at 11.30 and reconvened at 11.43’*

*Cllr A Brown left the meeting as a result of a declared pecuniary interest*

Cllr J Toye introduced the report and informed Members that the planning enforcement backlog had been reduced, with major cases moving forward. He added that the departing Team Leader had introduced a new enforcement landing page on the NNDC website, and long-term empty homes of six months or more had reduced from 496 to 472, whilst properties empty for two years or more were down from 158 to 138.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          The Chairman suggested that metrics outlining the extent to which the enforcement backlog had been reduced, and how much faster responses had been made would be useful. He added that it would also be helpful to know how often the Enforcement Board met, and for more details to be provided on the timeline of significant cases. It was confirmed that long-term empty homes were divided into two categories of either six months or more and two years or more, as these coincided with escalations in Council Tax charges. The Chairman referred to paragraph 5.2 and asked whether Parish and Town Councils were being informed of progress on significant cases. Cllr J Toye stated that he would review existing procedures to ensure that adequate information was provided to local Members and Parish Councils.

      ii.          Cllr N Housden referred to a specific case and raised a number of concerns in relation to progress. The RM confirmed that all outstanding debts for the case had been taken to court, and that progress had been made with some payments received. Cllr N Housden reiterated concerns that progress on the case was inadequate. The ADP replied that the case was complex and whilst enforcement action was being pursued, it would take time to resolve.

     iii.          Cllr V Holliday referred to staffing issues and asked whether this had impacted progress in some cases. She added that during the last Enforcement Update that had been discussion of additional resource, and asked whether any update was available. The ADP replied that progress had been made, with three full-time officers soon to be in place, whilst an external contractor had been recruited to provide additional capacity on an interim basis. He added that as part of the ZBB exercise, a funding request had been made for an Assistant Enforcement Officer and a Conditions Monitoring Officer. It was noted that the Planning Processing Team were also inputting information into the enforcement system, which saved enforcement officers time, allowing for greater progress on casework. The ADP stated that mobile app working was also being considered to allow on-site updates, alongside e-form reporting that would facilitate the reporting of breaches.

    iv.          In response to concerns, the ADP stated that cumulative steps had to be taken to ensure that individuals served an enforcement notice would respond accordingly, and it remained a complex and time consuming process. Cllr J Toye added that in order to remain effective, it was important the process was followed carefully to ensure mistakes were not made.

      v.          Cllr L Withington referred to a complex enforcement case and noted that communication had been excellent, with the case being a positive example of the enforcement process.

RESOLVED

1.     To note the continued progress of the Enforcement Board and the Combined Enforcement Team.

ACTIONS

1.     ADP to include less historic information within EB matrix, with focus placed on explanatory metrics as progress descriptors and commentary on current status of complex cases within summary report.

2.     Cllr J Toye to review provision of information to local Members and Parish/Town Councils.