Temporary Arrangements for Planning Applications

Record of Decision Taken by Katherine Marriott on 31 March 2020

Authority for decision

Authority of the Monitoring Officer RBC constitution Part 3, 1.8 (i):

Functions of the Monitoring Officer

(i) Maintaining the Constitution

Maintain an up-to-date version of the Constitution and ensure that it is widely available for consultation by Councillors, officers and citizens.

Decision

To introduce a temporary process for the determination of planning applications during Coronavirus pandemic.

Reasons for decision

To respond to advice issued by Central Government on Covid-19.

To protect the health and safety of residents, officers and Councillors, and to support the continuation of decision making.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 includes provision to allow Council meetings to be conducted in a more flexible way for example virtual meetings. Whilst regulations are awaited it is considered expedient to review the Councils process for determining planning applications to observe social distancing guidance and support continuation of the service.

A revised procedure has been prepared with the agreement of the Leader of the Council and the Chair of planning committee (Appendix A). The revised procedure allows for certain applications to be determined by delegation, and for those applications that can not be determined under delegation the matter be considered by a pared down planning committee of six Councillors having regard for the principals of proportionality.

This decision has regard to it not being practicable to facilitate spacing at a distance of 2 metres per Councillor, speakers, officers and members of the public at planning committee. Given the spread of the virus with new cases being diagnosed daily it is considered expedient to protect Councillors, speakers, officers and members of the public to amend the process for an interim period.

The provisions relating to public speaking have been preserved by written submission.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None – the decision is in accordance with advice from central government and allows the Council to implement the Regulations when in force relating to Council meetings.

Conflicts of interest and any dispensation

None identified.

 

Monitoring Information

Key decision?

No.

Confidential/ Exempt (if yes, please state paragraph)?

No.

Do General Exception or Special Urgency Rules apply to this decision?

Yes.

Consultation has taken place with the Section 151 & Monitoring Officer?

Yes.

The Leader, Deputy Leader or relevant Portfolio Member have been consulted?

Yes.

 

Signed

Katherine Marriott