Issue - meetings

The Commission will be provided with an update on performance in relation to Planning Appeals over the last six months.

The Scrutiny Commission received a report on planning and enforcement appeal decisions over the previous six months. It was noted that this was a regular report which monitored and challenged performance in relation to decisions on planning applications and enforcement notices. It was noted that no costs had been awarded during the period covered by the report.

Members expressed concern about the situation where an applicant appeals against refusal of an application, the Inspector upholds the appeal and the authority has to pay costs, but then the applicant doesn’t commence development, and it was felt that this was unfair. Officers agreed but also noted that the awarding of costs was to reimburse the applicant for money spent.

The current position in relation to the five year land supply was questioned, and it was noted that, when last assessed in October, it stood at 5.69 years. It was acknowledged that deliver of housing needed to continue to ensure the supply was maintained.

In relation to the Barwell Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), it was noted that the development consortium was still in negotiation with Leicestershire County Council regarding contributions to transport, but that once resolved, the S106 would be signed.

In response to a question regarding and enforcement site at Leicester Road, Hinckley, officers agreed to circulate an update to the Commission.

Some members expressed the view that the Planning Committee was currently working very well which had contributed to effective decision making.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.