Issue - meetings

To update members on the performance of the planning service

Members received the annual frontline service review report for planning. The positive progress in relation to recruitment was acknowledged. Progress in relation to the Barwell Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) was queried and it was noted that the 2012 application was still live but the S106 was now being progressed again following a positive response from Leicestershire County Council and public consultation was being undertaken before it coming to Planning Committee.

In response to a member’s question, it was noted that Leicester City Council’s housing numbers reduced when the borough council’s increased, and that local plans couldn’t take local government reorganisation into account.

In relation to the Earl Shilton SUE, it was hoped that the S106 agreement would progress soon and that the highways authority had agreed.

In response to a member’s question about the Wayfinder strategy, the work and engagement was ongoing but the member would be updated on timescales.

Members were pleased to note that the 70% target for determination of minor applications was consistently exceeded, however there were a high number of applications being handled per officer due to an increase in applications earlier in the year.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.