Development Control Charter
Determining planning applications
6.1 The government requires all local planning authorities to determine the vast majority of applications (90%) without referral to a Planning Committee under ‘delegated powers’. The Authority operates a scheme of delegation where all applications may be determined by the planning officer subject to certain exceptions. Certain categories of applications will be referred to the Planning Development Control Committee for determination. These include
- applications referred by Authority Members;
- applications referred by the locally elected ward Councillor;
- applications where the Parish/Town Council has expressed a view contrary to the planning officer (and would not accept a decision reached by the planning officer under delegated powers); and
- applications which are contrary to the Authority’s approved policies which are recommended for approval.
6.2 The Planning Development Control Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month at South Efford House. Details of the schedule of meetings are available on the Authority’s website. The Agenda is published five working days before the meeting. The meetings are open to the press and public. People who wish to speak on individual items must register at least two working days before the date of the meeting.
6.3 Each application referred to the Planning Development Control Committee will have a detailed report prepared by the planning officer which will include an assessment of the proposal, comments of consultees and any representations. Photographs and plans are available to assist Members in their considerations.
6.4 The Planning Development Control Committee can approve, refuse or in exceptional cases defer an application for further information. Decision notices will be issued within two working days of the Committee. Some applications may require a legal agreement or unilateral undertaking which cannot be entered into until a resolution to permit is taken. In such cases the Authority will discuss the requirements of a legal agreement prior to the application being referred to the Planning Development Control Committee.
6.5 Decision notices on delegated decisions will be issued on the same day. Neighbours who have written in will be notified within five working days of the decision. Weekly lists of planning decisions, both delegated and committee decisions can be viewed on the Authority’s website.
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