Issue - meetings

Summary of Likely Applications to be Heard at Planning Committee.

The Committee received and noted a summary of likely applications to be heard at Planning Committee.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Thanks. A Member of the Committee thanked the Planning Officer for a well written report. This comment was echoed by other members.

b)            Langley Bottom Farm. A Member of the Committee queried why the upcoming applications report in May, listed the Langley Bottom Farm Variation to affordable housing obligations reason as ‘Called in with discretion of Head of Planning’, but the June iteration of the report just stated, ‘Called in’. The Head Development Management and Planning Enforcement explained that the application is subject to ongoing legal advice which officers are still waiting on to come through. He clarified that there has not been a change in reasoning as to why the application would be coming to Planning Committee.

c)            Swail House Site Visit. A Member of the Committee asked for a site visit for Swail House before the application comes to Planning Committee. The Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement confirmed that a site visit would be arranged and communicated to Members of the Planning committee.

d)            TPO application. A Member of the Committee asked why the removal of a TPO would come to Planning Committee instead of being determined by officers. The Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement informed the Committee that the scheme of delegation requires planning applications involving staff members to be put in front of the Committee. He explained there is an ongoing debate as to whether this specific application meets that threshold. He also explained that the application involves the potential removal of 11 trees and could pose a significant financial implication for the Council and therefore, used his discretion to bring that application in front of Committee Members for decision.