Issue - meetings

To receive an update from Councillor Adrian Page on his work during 2019/20 in his capacity as Portfolio Holder for Planning and People.

Councillor Adrian Page presented an update on the work carried out to date during the 2019/20 municipal year in his capacity as Executive Portfolio Holder for Planning and People.

The portfolio covered a number of areas including: planning policy and conservation, planning enforcement, drainage, land charges, building control and development management.  Arising from the subsequent questions and comments the following points were noted:

·         Although there had been an overall shortfall in the number of net housing completions against targets, long term projections predicted that the Council was on track to meet the Government targets.

·         It was acknowledged that the proposed route for the new Esso pipeline had been a surprise and the Council’s full response to the consultation would be circulated.

·         The need for additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches was acknowledged however it was stressed that the Council should take steps to ensure that the Borough’s current provision was fit for purpose.

·         As a result of ongoing difficulties experienced in the recruitment of a dedicated Planning Enforcement Officer the Council’s Corporate Enforcement Team had assumed responsibility for conducting initial visits and investigations and specialist external resources were then used to prepare enforcement notices and reports.  It was acknowledged that this was not an ideal situation and officers were exploring a range of potential solutions to solve the recruitment problem including the possibility of an apprenticeship route.

·         It was clarified that the term District Centre was defined as a group of shops which were supported by a variety of non-retail facilities and services, which are laid out to collectively form a coherent sustainable centre.

·         Clarification would be provided on what progress had been made in relation to a question raised about the management charges in private developments at a previous meeting.

·         The Committee repeated its request for specific officer contact telephone numbers that could be used in the event of an out of hours emergency occurring.  It was agreed that this would be followed up.

The Committee thanked officers in the Planning Policy Team for the considered approach that they were taking with the development of a new Local Plan for the Borough.

The Committee thanked Councillor Page for his update.