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That Full Council:

 

a)       
Approves the establishment of the Planning
Improvement Board and its draft Terms of reference (attached at
Appendix B to the report). The Board will be chaired by a member of
the administration and will be made up of 4 conservative members
(including the chair) plus one representative from each of the
recognised political groups;

 

b)       
Approves the establishment of a Planning Improvement
Plan that will be overseen by the Planning Improvement Board and
reported on to Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee, Audit and
Governance Committee, Executive and full Council as
required;

 

c)        
Notes the specific remedial actions taken thus far
and proposed with regards to the processing of planning
applications as set out at paragraph 4.9 of the report;

 

d)       
Notes the proposedgovernance arrangementsas setout
atparagraphs 4.11 to 4.14
to ensure effective oversight and monitoring of progress in
relation to the Planning Improvement Plan and the work of the
Planning Improvement Board.
 

Reasons for Decision:

·        
The PIP and PIB would be formulated to
address the issues identified in the independent review. The review
has highlighted a need for the Council to address issues that
appear to have developed following LGR specifically relating to the
processing of planning applications. Upon identification of
specific issues, the Council has responded promptly and diligently
to rectify weaknesses and the PIP will show a significant and
continuing commitment to improving standards in the planning
service.

 

·        
The Council, as local planning authority
has a duty to comply with legislation and its own policies in
processing planning applications. Failure to do so leaves the
Council vulnerable to challenge and negatively impacts public and
stakeholder confidence in the service.

 

·        
The proposal to establish a PIP and PIB
reporting to Place and Environment Scrutiny, the Audit and
Governance Committee, and full Council, as required, provides a
focus on key areas which means there is greater oversight and
accountability from the leadership of the organisation and
Councillors to address the issues that have been identified within
the planning service as a key priority. Officers will support
development of the PIP. The governance arrangements proposed will
provide even greater focus and scrutiny from Councillors giving
assurance to the Council of the work that is to be
undertaken.

 

Alternative Options Considered:

·        
Given the Council’s statutory
duties as Local Planning Authority and the risks highlighted in
respect of compliance, maintaining the status quo (do nothing) is
not deemed acceptable and further resource and focus will be
required to ensure compliance with legislation and planning
policy.