Agenda item - DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE UPDATE

Agenda item

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE UPDATE

Minutes:

  1. The DM introduced the Development Management Performance report (Page 63 of the Agenda Pack) and spoke favourably of Officers performance and noted the figures included the Christmas Closure period. The introduction of the back office system had affected the 24 month period which was expected to improve as time those impacted months fell out of the subject timeline. The DM advised nutrient neutrality had delayed decision making, but that Officers remained keen to clear cases. It is anticipated that the planning improvement plan would soon be introduced, with Officers reviewing processes and procedures to offer applicants assurances applications were being considered in an efficient manner.

 

  1. In response to questions from the Chairman, the DM advised that new staff were starting with the authority the following week, one a senior planning Officer and the other the S106 Officer. The DM advised he would circulate an updated structure chart to Members.

 

  1. Cllr G Mancini-Boyle asked additional information be covered in the report. The DM advised that report was in the process of being updated which would include data on  the average length of time for applications, and others, which would aid to manage expectations of applicants and for the public. This additional data would offer the Committee a greater insight into the planning services work.

 

  1. Cllr A Brown expressed his thanks for Planning Officers for their hard work, and noted the continued high performance as outlined in the data provided.

 

  1. The PL commended Planning Officers for their work in reviewing development certificate applications, which was difficult work requiring detailed research and surveys and was often very time consuming.

 

  1. Regarding the S106 report, Cllr R Kershaw thanked the PL for her hard work with Scottow Enterprise Park and relayed feedback from the applicant.

 

  1. The PL advised that the draft unilateral agreement for the outstanding S106 was with the applicant lawyers. With regard to the Crisp Maltings site in great Ryburgh, the PL advised that this was far progressed.

 

  1. The DM in response to questions from the Chairman, advised that the Council were consulting with the applicant the list of conditions, and were clarifying the position with Natural England. He advised he was confident that these matters could be satisfied.

 

  1. Cllr G Mancini-Boyle noted some issues with applicants and members of the public who were understood to have failed to register to speak at various meetings. He asked if the Portfolio holder or Customer Services Manager had been invited to explain the process. The DM advised he would investigate and follow up.

 

  1. Cllr A Brown raised a concern that that he had not been contacted by Officers, as the Local Member, before the agenda publication to advise that an application in his Ward was coming to Committee. The DM advised he would ensure that Officers were notified when it was there responsibility to communicate with Members, and that this process be followed.

 

  1. Cllr R Kershaw commented that he considered the planning service improve and reflected that he had been consulted on all applications within his ward.

 

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