PAPER F

 

Committee:     ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE

 

Date:               28 OCTOBER 2002  

 

Title:                BEST VALUE REVIEW OF PLANNING SERVICES          

 

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

 

 

 


SUMMARY/PURPOSE

 

To seek member support of the Appraisal Group for the forthcoming Best Value Review of Planning Services.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Best Value Review future programme (approved by Executive on the 8th October 2002) includes a review of Planning Services.   

 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

 

At this stage, it is suggested that this review will be broad ranging in its scope, covering the wider implications of planning policy, as well as specific issues of service performance.

 

It is proposed that a detailed review of development control and building control is carried out with a lighter touch on the remainder of the service.

 

It is intended to start the initial phases of the work (determine scope, project team and appraisal group) as soon as possible.

 

The composition of the Appraisal Group will be key to the success of the review.   We will need the involvement of Brenda Lawson - Portfolio Holder and Muriel Miller – Chair of the Planning Committee.

 

Whilst the members of the Planning Task Group are well placed to understand the planning process, it will be need to be clear from the outset that members will need to challenge the existing service in a rigorous way.   It may possibly be the case that members who are not close to the service may be able to do this in a clearer way.

 

The Best Value Inspectors will look for officer and members’ involvement and challenge.

 

We see the initial meeting of the Appraisal Group in early November.   Its first task will be to set out the overall scope of the review, and to help identify the specific issues, which it will address.    We propose that the scope is sent to this Committee for approval by the time of the next meeting - 25th November 2002.

 

Contact Point:  Andrew Ashcroft,       ( 01983 824556

                        John Vosper,               ( 01983 823635

 

MIKE FISHER

Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services