Transcript Introduction to the planning system for elected members

Introduction to the planning
system for elected members
2012
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In this presentation …
• Focus on the specific role of elected members
in the planning system
• Cover the main elements of the system
- development plans
- development management
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Overview of the planning system
• 32 local authorities and 2 national park
authorities are responsible for:
- preparing development plans
-
deciding applications for planning permission
enforcing planning controls
• Significant recent reforms – elected members
have important role in delivering change
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Why plan?
• The planning system shapes our environment
and influences many aspects of the way we
live
• It determines how land is used, how
communities take shape and how new
developments look and work
• It is about balancing competing demands to
make sure land is used and developed in the
long-term interests of the public
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Role of Elected Members
• You will be involved in planning matters at some
stage as a ward member representing the
interests of constituents
• You may also be involved in a specialist role on a
planning committee or a local review body
• Code of Conduct emphasises the need for active
participation and engagement to inform decisionmaking
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Code of Conduct
• Provides a framework for your decision
making as an elected member
• Supports engagement with constituents and
others
But … planning can be contentious
• Public perception is the most important factor
• Declare potential conflicts of interest
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Development Plans
• Guide the future use of land and the
appearance of cities, towns and rural areas
• Legal requirement to prepare a Local
Development Plan for all areas and update it
every 5 years
• In the 4 largest city regions authorities also
prepare a Strategic Development Plan
• Plans are supported by Supplementary
Guidance
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Development Plans
• The law requires decisions on planning
applications be made in accordance with the
plan unless material considerations indicate
otherwise
• You should have a high level of involvement in
the preparation of the plan for your area
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Development Management
• Legislation defines what development
activities require planning permission
• Applications for different sizes of development
are dealt with in different ways
• Two types of consent – permission in principle
and full planning permission
• Permission can be granted, granted subject to
conditions or refused
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Role of Elected Members
• Some applications are decided by officers,
some are decided at committee
• Scheme of Delegation is unique to each
authority
• As a member of the planning committee you
will need to consider the information which is
presented and make decisions in keeping with
the development plan
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Material Considerations
• A planning issue which is relevant to the
application
• Can include:
- council policies
- comments by the public and organisations
- the effect of the development on the
environment
• Some things are not material considerations
e.g. loss of view or effect on property prices
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Code of Conduct - Applications
• You should listen to and engage with those who
have an interest in planning matters
• You should feel free to engage with applicants,
agents, objectors or others
• As a ward member, you can support or oppose an
application
• Before the committee meeting, as a member of
the planning committee you must not express
any opinion that could be interpreted as
supporting or opposing an application
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Appeals & Local Review
• If an application is decided by officers, the
applicant can have the decision reviewed by
the Local Review Body
• LRBs consist of at least three elected members
from the authority
• All other appeals are made to Scottish
Ministers
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In conclusion …
• Use the Code of Conduct
• Be aware of probity issues
• Engage with communities and other
interested parties
• Work with planning officers to make your
council’s planning service the best it can be
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