PAPER B3

Committee:     DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE

Date:               14 MAY 2002

Title:               INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING AT MEETINGS OF THE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

SUMMARY

To consider the details for the arrangements in connection with the introduction of public speaking at Development Control Committee.

BACKGROUND

The former Planning and Countryside Committee agreed in principle to the introduction of public speaking in connection with the determination of planning applications and other related submissions.

More recently, at a meeting held on 18 February 2002, this Committee considered a detailed report on the matter and resolved to agree in principle to the introduction of a public participation scheme at the Development Control Committee and support the framework of the new system and the timescale set out in the latter part of the report.

In terms of the broad framework, Members agreed to the following:

∙          The public participation scheme shall apply to the Development Control Committee, not the Development Control Committee (Site Visits).

∙          The applicant/agent or supporters, objectors and the Parish/Town Council will be given the opportunity to speak.

∙          Each ‘group’ will have up to 3 minutes.

∙          Where objectors speak, the applicant/agent shall be given the right to reply.

∙          Officers will be entitled to make further brief presentation if they feel the speakers have made any incorrect or misleading remarks.

In terms of the timing of the meeting it was agreed that the new procedure should be introduced at the meeting to be held on 5 June 2002; the meeting should start at 1600 hours (4pm) with public speaking commencing at 1700 hours (5pm). It was further agreed to increase some degree of certainty as to when individual matters would be considered, those applications where there was to be public speaking would be taken in ‘blocks’ each 30 or 45 minutes, with Members reverting to the remaining items on the agenda if time permits.

Members appreciate that this procedure will replace public question time.

The timetable agreed with Members in February highlighted the Members/Officers development day held on 26 April 2002 and identified that a report would be made to this Committee in May 2002 in connection with the final arrangements for the introduction of public speaking.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

In terms of the introduction of public speaking the financial implications are relatively modest arising principally from amendments to staffing arrangements and administrative procedures. Due to pressure of work arising from the significant increase in the number of planning applications the Development Control Manager and the Support Team Leader have not been able to progress this project as quickly as they would have liked and therefore the target Committee date may be in the latter part of June or possibly July 2002.

OPTIONS

1.        To agree to the detailed arrangements featuring in the ‘Your Chance to Speak’ document prepared by the Development Control Manager.

2.        To agree to the detailed arrangements featuring in the ‘Your Chance to Speak’ document prepared by the Development Control Manager with appropriate amendments/additions/deletions.

CONCLUSION

Members will appreciate against a background of a heavy workload that significant progress has been made with this project and it is now time to agree to the final details.

In administrative terms the practicalities of introducing this particular procedure are relatively complicated inasmuch as it is vitally important that anyone connected with the development process on the Island and/or current planning applications is aware of the opportunity to address the Development Control Committee should their application be reported to a meeting when public speaking is introduced or after it has been introduced.

The ‘Your Chance to Speak’ document will become a leaflet for public distribution as soon as the details have been finalised. At the same time it is my intention to write to Parish/Town Councils and architect/agents at the earliest possible opportunity.

Contact Point:            C S Hougham, Development Control Manager ☎: 823565

M J A FISHER

Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services