Issue - meetings

The report seeks approval for additional resources to enable the Planning Development Management Service to procure consultancy support to clear the current backlog in planning and related applications. In addition, to employ an officer to train staff in compliance and to undertake an independent review of the service by the Planning Officer’s Society.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously:

(1)      To agree to an independent Planning Officers Society review of the Development Management Service;

(2)      To agree to procure consultancy support to clear the backlog of planning applications;

(3)      To agree to retain existing senior agency staff pending permanent recruitment to roles;

(4)      To agree to appoint an enforcement trainer to work with and train planning officers in planning enforcement;

(5)      To approve the allocation of up to £190,000 to the Development Management Service budget to enable the additional resource and for the review to be undertaken;

(6)      A Member Task and Finish Group to oversee the review and progress against implementation of an action plan.

The Committee received a report seeking approval for additional resources to enable the Planning Development Management Service to procure consultancy support to clear the current backlog in planning and related applications. In addition, to employ an officer to train staff in compliance and to undertake an independent review of the service by the Planning Officer’s Society.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Timing of review: Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed that Officers felt that undertaking the review in the Autumn would be the most appropriate timing, and would reduce the risk of a further back-log of activity developing.

b)            Staff turnover: Following questions from Members, the Committee was informed that there was a national shortage in Planning Officers and that this was particularly acute in Surrey Local Authorities. Officers were not aware of any particular local factors at the Council which were leading to staff turnover.

c)            Apprenticeships: The Committee noted that Officers would consider the use of apprenticeships to assist in recruiting and retaining staff going forward.

d)            Involvement of Chair and Vice Chair. It was noted that the review would involve the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee.

e)            Task and Finish Group: The Committee noted that the Member Task and Finish Group would be comprised of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and other involved Members to give a Member oversight of the review. The purpose of the Group would be to ensure the effectiveness of the review and that the Action Plan was drawn up in accordance with the review’s recommendations, with a clear plan for their implementation.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously:

(1)      To agree to an independent Planning Officers Society review of the Development Management Service;

(2)      To agree to procure consultancy support to clear the backlog of planning applications;

(3)      To agree to retain existing senior agency staff pending permanent recruitment to roles;

(4)      To agree to appoint an enforcement trainer to work with and train planning officers in planning enforcement;

(5)      To approve the allocation of up to £190,000 to the Development Management Service budget to enable the additional resource and for the review to be undertaken;

(6)      A Member Task and Finish Group to oversee the review and progress against implementation of an action plan.