Issue - meetings

The report set out the current position in respect of continuous service improvements to the Planning Service and sought agreement for recommended actions.

The Chairman noted that the Local Planning Protocol was an evolving document to reflect continuous improvements in planning processes.  The Committee noted that the most recent recommendations would enable the Council to have a robust protocol and process around its Planning Committees.

Councillor Allen reported that the sections of the report concerning ethical standards had been discussed at Standards Committee the previous evening where the recommendations had been endorsed. 

In response to a question concerning whether the Council remained at risk of designation, the Assistant Director for Planning confirmed that the latest check showed that Bromley was not currently in the criteria, however that may be because of delays in the appeals process resulting from the recent lockdowns.  There was therefore no room for complacency. 

In response to a question, the Assistant Director confirmed that the recommendations concerning the inability of “Calling In” Members to move and second motions would also apply to any substitute members on the Committee.

Councillor Michael proposed two small amendments to paragraph 3.13 (Recommendations 9&10):

For question 3 – application reference number –an added requirement for the Member to give a brief description.

An additional question: Do you need to declare any interests?

The Committee endorsed the proposed changes.

Members noted that it was not possible for a Councillor to Call-in an application in another ward, unless they had the agreement of the relevant ward councillors.

In respect of the issue of Pre-application discussions with applicants, the Assistant Director for Planning, confirmed that there was usually a confidentiality agreement in respect of such discussions.  It could be possible for ward members to engage, but only with the agreement of the applicant.

RESOLVED: That:

1. Actions as recommended against each item in the table in Section 3.4 of the report be agreed;

2. The recommendations of the Standards Committee from July 2021 in Section 3.5 of the report be agreed;

3. The related changes to the Scheme of Delegation in Section 3.7 of the report be agreed

4. The related changes to the Local Planning Protocol in Sections 3.8 – 3.12 of the report be agreed subject to the amendments outlined above;

5. The creation of an online form for planning ‘call in’ requests as set out in Section 3.13 of the report with the two amendments proposed by Councillor Michael be agreed;

6. The non-related amendment to the Scheme of Delegation set out in paragraph 3.14 of the report be agreed;

7. The change to weekly list procedures set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report be agreed

8. That resolutions 3,4 and 6 above be considered by Full Council.