Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the performance of the planning service as part of the programme of service reviews.

The scrutiny group was updated on the performance of the planning service. Members emphasised how well the enforcement service was now working and the positive feedback they had received. In relation to building control, it was noted that local authority building control services were struggling across the country because of private sector competition.

Clarification was sought in relation to the figures in paragraph 3.7 which stated that the authority lost just 17% of appeals in 2016/17 and that the government target was that an authority should not loose more than 10% of all decisions. It was explained that the 17% loss at appeal was of the 29 appeals lodged against decisions, whereas the 10% target was of the total number of decisions made by the authority, which HBBC was well within that target.

A member asked how the arrangement with the Rural Communities Council was working in terms of support for Neighbourhood Development Plans. It was agreed that an update would be sought and sent to members.