The Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee met to review the council's planning performance, including decision-making times, appeal success rates, and the performance of Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming and Numbering services. The committee also received an update on proposed government reforms to planning regulations.

Planning Performance and Appeals

The council maintained its strong planning performance, achieving 100% of major and non-major planning decisions within statutory timescales for the fifth consecutive year, placing it joint first nationally. This performance was attributed to the hard work of the planning team and improvements to processes. The success rate for dismissed planning appeals was 79%, exceeding the internal target and the national average, indicating sound decision-making. Significant planning policy achievements included the adoption of the Local Plan and the Planning Contributions SPD. The Authority Monitoring Report for 2024/25 highlighted the delivery of 1,352 permitted homes and 1,564 completed homes, with a substantial proportion being affordable. Additionally, 333 jobs were delivered through new development, and substantial funds were secured through Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming and Numbering Performance

The report on Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming and Numbering services showed significant improvements in Building Control performance, with five out of eight KPIs being met and only minor shortfalls in two others. This was attributed to the team reaching full complement after a period of understaffing. The Land Charges team demonstrated strong performance, consistently exceeding targets for search response times. The Street Naming and Numbering team also achieved all its KPIs at 100% and was on track for a further 'Platinum' award from Geo Place.

Planning Consultation Update

An update was provided on a government consultation regarding proposed planning reforms, focusing on the further delegation of planning decisions to officers and changes to the size of Planning Committees. Key proposals included mandatory national training for committee members, a cap on committee sizes at 13 members (which does not affect Barking and Dagenham's current committee size of 10), and a new National Scheme of Delegation. This scheme would create two tiers of planning applications: Tier A for delegated decisions on minor applications and Tier B for major applications and council-owned applications, with a gateway test for Tier B items involving agreement between the Chief Planner and the Chair of the Planning Committee based on economic, social, or environmental significance. While these changes were not expected to have a significant impact on current delegation arrangements, amendments to the Council's Constitution would be required. A response to the consultation would be drafted in liaison with relevant officers and the Cabinet Member.

Planning Applications and Appeals Reviewed

The Sub-Committee reviewed a sample of planning applications and appeals.

• 145 Stamford Road, Dagenham, RM9 4ES (25/01757/FULL): Planning permission was refused for the change of use of a five-bedroom dwelling to a four-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to seven residents. The reasons for refusal included the loss of family-sized housing, sub-standard accommodation quality, potential harm to neighbouring amenity due to increased comings and goings, and insufficient information regarding parking management.
• 25 New Road, Dagenham, RM10 9NH (25/01609/FULL): Planning permission was approved for the conversion of an eight-bedroom dwelling into two self-contained flats: one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom. The decision was based on the proposal contributing to housing supply, diversifying the housing stock, and not resulting in the loss of family-sized dwellings. Conditions were imposed regarding cycle storage, refuse storage, landscaping, and the removal of an existing outbuilding.
• 26 Hardie Road, Dagenham, RM10 7BS (25/01557/FULL): Planning permission was approved for the conversion of an existing side garage into a one-bedroom, one-person dwelling. The decision was made considering the efficient use of underutilised land, contribution to housing stock, and minimal external alterations. Conditions were imposed regarding car parking arrangements, cycle storage, refuse storage, matching external materials, and the removal of permitted development rights.
• 15 Ethel Cottages, Padnall Road, Chadwell Heath, RM6 5JB (Appeal Ref: APP/Z5060/W/25/3373141): An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the conversion of a dwellinghouse into two self-contained flats (one one-bedroom and one two-bedroom) was allowed. The Inspector found that the proposal would not result in a loss of family housing, would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers, and would not cause harmful noise or disturbance to neighbours. The Inspector also considered that the proposal would promote sustainable travel and provide adequate bin storage, subject to conditions.
• 61 Kings Avenue, Romford, RM6 6BD (Appeal Ref: APP/Z5060/W/25/3370831): An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the enlargement of an existing outbuilding and its conversion into a self-contained residential studio flat unit was allowed. The Inspector found that the development would not be visually inconsistent with other ancillary buildings in the area and would be consistent with the character and appearance of the surrounding area. Conditions were imposed regarding the use of materials and a time limit for commencement.
• 4 Purland Close, Dagenham, RM8 1AS (Appeal Ref: APP/Z5060/D/23/3328995): An appeal against an enforcement notice for the unauthorised use of a rear outbuilding as a self-contained residential annexe was dismissed. However, a separate appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the retention of the outbuilding as a 'granny annexe' was allowed, subject to conditions requiring design amendments to protect neighbouring amenity and restricting its use to ancillary to the host bungalow.

The Sub-Committee noted the report and recommended that its terms of reference be amended to present the Authority Monitoring Report annually.