A successful Planning Committee outcome and changes to the National Scheme of Delegation
A positive decision for our client, alongside changes to how planning applications are determined.
We recently attended Planning Committee to present a Permission in Principle application on behalf of our client for a single dwelling.
The proposal had received support from the planning officer. However, the Parish Council did not support the scheme, resulting in the Ward Member calling the application in for determination at Planning Committee.
Following consideration of the proposal, committee members agreed that the scheme would constitute appropriate infilling, proportionate to the size of the settlement, and voted in favour of the application.
Changes to the National Scheme of Delegation
The week following the committee, a new National Scheme of Delegation was introduced, bringing changes to how planning applications are considered and determined.
The changes aim to streamline the planning process by increasing the number of applications that can be determined by planning officers rather than being referred to committee.
The main changes include:
More applications delegated to officers
A wider range of applications, including householder applications, minor commercial developments and smaller residential schemes, will generally be dealt with by planning officers.
A presumption in favour of officer determination
Applications will generally be determined by officers unless they meet specific criteria for consideration by Planning Committee.
Changes to committee referrals
The criteria for Ward Member call ins and applications being referred to committee based on the number of objections have changed.
A limit on committee membership
Planning committees will be limited to a maximum of 13 members.
What does this mean for future planning applications?
The intention behind these changes is to reduce the number of applications going before committee, allowing planning officers to spend more time dealing with larger and more complex proposals.
We look forward to seeing the impact of the new arrangements. Hopefully, they will help straightforward schemes progress more efficiently, freeing up valuable committee time for applications that genuinely require wider consideration.
At Laurence Associates, we will continue to support our clients through the planning process, providing professional advice and representation to help navigate an evolving planning landscape.
Truro: 01872 225 259
Exeter: 01392 979 135
Email: hello@laurenceassociates.co.uk
