Issue - meetings

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

During the last cycle of Area Committees, Councillors considered a report in respect of changes to the planning system.  This report details the proposed changes to the Council’s scheme of delegation as a result of the changes.

The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee is invited to comment on the proposed changes for consideration by the Council Meeting on 27 June 2013.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of proposed amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation).

The report stated that the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

·      Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

·      Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises in non-protected areas for a three-year period.

·      Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee were requested to consider proposed amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

The following comments were made / issues raised:-

• Clarification was sought and provided in respect of the potential fee to the developer for the change of use from B1a (Office) to C3 (Residential) development applications.
• A Councillor supported the comments made by the Marple Area Committee, in particular the Local Government Association’s campaign against the changes to the planning system.
• Concern was raised regarding the impact on residents who could be affected by the changes to the planning system.
• Members noted that the Area Committees would be informed on a regular basis of the number of applications submitted under the new regime.
• Clarification was sought and provided on the method in which Members would be informed of the new types of applications.  It was highlighted that the Stepping Hill Area Committee had raised concerns on managing this process.
• The effect on the level of income received by the Local Planning Authority was highlighted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of changes to the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

·         Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

·         Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises, in non-protected areas, for a three-year period.

·         Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration circulated an addendum to the report at the meeting seeking the comments of the Area Committee on proposals to make amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee expresses its concern with regard to the impact of the changes introduced as part of the ‘Planning Reform Proposals’ and requests that the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration undertake further investigations with a view to enhancing the proposed role of elected members in the determination of prior approval applications.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of changes to the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

•           Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

•           Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises, in non-protected areas, for a three-year period.

•           Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration circulated an addendum to the report at the meeting seeking the comments of the Area  Committee on proposals to make amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the

proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Concern was expressed that with regard to householder applications, the Council could only consider applications where an objection has been raised by an adjoining neighbour.
• Concern was expressed with regard to householder applications that the adjoining property may be owned by a landlord who was not sufficiently concerned to object to an application.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of changes to the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

·         Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

·         Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises, in non-protected areas, for a three-year period.

·         Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration circulated an addendum to the report at the meeting seeking the comments of the Area Committee on proposals to make amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

Councillors asked a number of questions in relation to the operation of the new arrangements. It was suggested that councillors be kept informed of the operation of the new arrangements to ensure appropriate resources were in place to meet demand.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of changes to the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

·         Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

·         Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises, in non-protected areas, for a three-year period.

·         Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration circulated an addendum to the report at the meeting seeking the comments of the Area Committee on proposals to make amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee expresses its concern with regard to the impact of the changes introduced as part of the ‘Planning Reform Proposals’ on the Council’s ability to exercise democratic oversight and control of the planning process within the borough.