Decision details

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking approval of the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) (attached at Appendix A to the report).  It was noted that the SCI set out how the Council would consult with the community on planning matters and had been revised and updated.

The report provided detailed information regarding the purpose of the SCI and the changes made to the 2018 SCI.  Officers’ advised that if the SCI was approved a six week consultation would be undertaken, following which any comments received would inform the final version, reported to Members prior to final adoption by the Council.

The Chairman put the recommendation as set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

In response to questions raised, the Strategy, Policy and Communications Manager provided the following information:

·                 Local Housing Needs Assessment work was ongoing with a need to review information that had been received from the Council’s Housing Needs Consultant prior to its consideration by the Planning Policy Working Group and this Committee.

·                 Although the recent Queen’s Speech referenced several proposed changes to the planning system the SCI covered the current responsibilities of the Council as Local Planning Authority.

·                 Reference to pre-application advice within the SCI would only be triggered if pre-application advice was requested.

The Chairman moved the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Statement of Community Involvement (attached at Appendix A to the report) be approved for consultation purposes.