Issue - meetings

Report DRR 13/015

In January 2013, Members endorsed a revised Outline Planning Improvement Plan as a framework for improvement.  Customer Service and Planning Enforcement were identified as priority areas.  This report contained updates on the progress achieved so far and Members considered proposals to support economic growth.  An updated version of the Improvement Plan was also attached.

At the DCC meeting held in June 2013, it was agreed that a Panel Group be formed to assist with the preparation of an action plan to minimise future planning appeal costs awarded against the Council.  Members received an update on the progress achieved so far; they were also requested to endorse informal Guidelines for Members sitting on Planning Committees.

The Chief Planner reported an improvement in customer service had been achieved and difficulties experienced in contacting officers had eased with the introduction of a new ‘hunt’ telephone system.  To ensure the continuance of efficiency, it would be necessary to employ two additional members of staff. 

Councillor Michael stated that one-third of people who responded to the customer satisfaction survey were dissatisfied with the ease of contacting the service however, once they had done so, 85% of people were satisfied with the service they received.  Councillor Michael agreed that temporary staff should be employed to alleviate difficulties.

It was noted that whilst the processing of major applications had improved, the performance of minor applications had not achieved the 65% target.

Councillor Bosshard suggested that Penge and Anerley be included as an economic growth area.  The Chairman confirmed that he too had recommended the inclusion of several other areas in the Borough.

Having noted that  Bromley undertook far more enforcement action than Sevenoaks or Tandridge (Appendix 1, page 55), Councillor Michael stated it would be useful to compare the number of staff in each Council Enforcement Team to see if Bromley carried out more work with less staff.  The Chief Planner reported that as an average, Bromley employed 4.5 members of staff compared to 5.5 members of staff elsewhere.

The Chairman advised that meetings of the Enforcement Member Working Party would take place every two months.  At the previous meeting, several cases had been individually studied and an informal guidance setting out proposed methods of good practice for Members had been produced.  Various concerns were raised with the content of the guidance and it was agreed that the document be withdrawn, reviewed and amended, to incorporate Member comments and suggestions.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  the Planning Service improvements be noted;

2)  the next priorities set out in the report be endorsed; and

3)  the informal Guidelines for Committee Members set out in Appendix 3 of the report, be withdrawn, reviewed and amended to incorporate Member comments and suggestions.