Issue - meetings

To consider the report from the Planning Obligation Task Group

CouncillorCriscione presented the report produced by the task and finish group.  He expressed thanks to Councillor Jones as co-author of the report and also to the Development Manager and other Officers and Councillors who had helped with the production of the report. 

He said the central question for consideration was whether Uttlesford’s approach to planning obligations and conditions was robust and if the impact of development was mitigated for the benefit of residents and the District. 

He said that the report had to take into account the legal constraints of the National Planning Policy and the Community Infrastructure Levy, (CIL).   He explained the process and where he thought benefits could be gained.  He said that it was clear from the survey questionnaire that residents felt excluded.

The report requested that Scrutiny Committee advised Cabinet of the following recommendations:-

a     The creation of an Uttlesford Developers Contribution Document.

b     A more formalised, procedural and earlier approach for Town and Parish Councils to input into Planning Obligations.

c      Clearer and consistent reporting of Planning Obligations as part of recommending major planning applications to Planning Committee.

d     Prioritise the population of the EXACOM database to allow enhanced reporting and public self-service requests.

e     Reflect on cases and projects upon their completion to maintain and facilitate improvement in delivery.

Councillor Evans said that contributions from Developers would provide a package for the residents which would benefit the Community.  He specifically mentioned sustainable drainage schemes and the complications with management arrangements; he said the recommendations provided encouragement for this kind of work to be progressed, put into place and enforced.

The Development Manager said that he wanted to get the maximum benefit and the most relevant items for the community.  He said that although it was restricted by CIL regulations, he thought they could get a better deal for residents through the S106 arrangements.  He agreed with Councillor Evans about the stewardship issues and said it also applied to public open spaces, and this would provide the necessary guidance.  He said the Planning department had already been implementing changes but there was more work to do to progress and for the process to be formalised.   

Councillor Sell welcomed the involvement of Town and Parish Councils in the pre-planning meetings.  Although this happened already in some cases he thought that formalising the process would be beneficial.  He said that neighbourhood plans developed together with the Planning Department were important to get the maximum benefit for the community.  He said that S106 agreements needed to be effective and enforced and wanted to be reassured that there would be sufficient resources. 

Councillor Evans said that resourcing in Development Management and Enforcement were being looked at and would be reported further on this in due course.

The Assistant Director - Planning said it was the intention to add to the overall capacity of the Development Management team within the next few months.  The proposal was to add 1 or 2 Senior Officers whose primary purpose would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3