Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report highlights work undertaken by Planning Enforcement and provides an update on the outcome of contentious cases investigated in 2019.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report and consider whether the provision of an annual planning enforcement report would be welcomed to outline positive work of the service.

Officer Contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting work undertaken by Planning Enforcement and providing an update on the outcome of contentious cases investigated in 2019.

The enforcement team, as part of the wider planning service, ensured that the Council’s reputational identity was protected, that financial loss was minimised and that income was secured by ensuring that planning applications were submitted, financial contributions secured under Section 106 agreements were paid and the Council recovered its full costs in taking formal enforcement action where appropriate.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         In supporting the report being also submitted to the Area Committees, a Member felt that the report should also include examples of smaller cases particular to the areas.

·          Members of the public were encouraged to email complaints which were logged and tracked. An online form was in the process of being produced.

·         A Member enquired whether drones could be considered as a means of observing breaches of planning permission in certain situations.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the report be also submitted to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee and to the Area Committees.

(2) That an annual planning enforcement report be prepared outlining the positive work of the service.