Issue - meetings

Two appeals have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of two major planning applications. In addition, following a decision to refuse planning permission for development at 24-28 West Street, Epsom the Council has been advised that the applicants are preparing to lodge a third appeal against this decision.

In order to provide a robust defence of the decision it is essential to submit a case to the planning inspectorate which has been prepared by an independent qualified planning consultant on an impartial basis to support the Council’s reasons for refusal.

The Planning Department does not have a budget for defending planning appeals, so a financial provision is required to secure a planning consultant to prepare and submit the cases for the appeals.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously:

(1)          To allocate up to £150,000 to engage consultancy and barrister support to defend the two appeals which are currently with the Planning Inspectorate and a third anticipated appeal relating to 22-24 West Street, Epsom

(2)          That the budget of up to £150,000 be funded from the Corporate Projects Reserve.

The Committee received a report seeking a financial provision in respect of securing a planning consultant to prepare and submit the cases for two appeals in respect of two major applications.

The following matters were considered by the Committee:

a)            Increase in number and complexity of Planning Applications:  it was noted that the amount of Planning Applications has increased, along with an increase in the complexity of the applications.

b)            It was confirmed that 2 of the Appeals were recommended for approval by officers but were refused by the Planning Committee and that the third appeal was recommended for refusal by officers and was refused by the Planning Committee.

c)            Annual Budget Provision: the annual budgetary provision for Planning appeals is £6500. To increase this funding in the annual revenue budget, funding from additional income or savings would need to be identified, or funds would have to be diverted from other services.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously:

(1)          To allocate up to £150,000 to engage consultancy and barrister support to defend the two appeals which are currently with the Planning Inspectorate and a third anticipated appeal relating to 22-24 West Street, Epsom

(2)          That the budget of up to £150,000 be funded from the Corporate Projects Reserve.