The Head of Legal and Member Services reported that at its meeting held on 30 May 2013 (minute 34 refers), the Planning Committee referred the report of the Head of Regeneration and Planning on changes to Permitted Development Rights to this Committee for information.

Members expressed a view that the legislation was confusing and had led to increased pressure on Planning Officers with a potential loss in income in relation to some planning applications. The Head of Regeneration commented upon a number of issues associated with the changes to Permitted Development Rights and, in response to Members’ concerns, agreed to circulate his report to all Members of the Council for information.

It was moved by Councillor Sullivan and seconded by Councillor Foulkes –

“That this Committee strongly disagrees with the Tory led coalition, of slackening the planning regulations that previously needed local Council involvement with regard to planning applications (particularly in relation to boundary distances), the potential impact on fees and on the already overstretched Planning Department”

The Motion was carried (12:1) with one abstention

Resolved –

(1)  That the report be noted and circulated to all Members of the Council for information.

(2)  That this Committee strongly disagrees with the Tory led coalition, of slackening the planning regulations that previously needed local Council involvement with regard to planning applications (particularly in relation to boundary distances), the potential impact on fees and on the already overstretched Planning Department (12:1 with one abstention).