Issue - meetings

The Director submitted a report outlining the current position in regard to the Council’s Planning Enforcement Service.  She provided a summary of the report and of the action being taken including the production of an action plan, employment of additional staff and the use of a specialist enforcement company to help clear the backlog. 

Councillor M Freeman welcomed the action being taken and asked that the Chairman of Development Management Committee be kept informed of progress.

Councillor I Devonshire and Councillor M Casey welcomed the report.  It was acknowledged that some of the enforcement delays could be attributed to re-structuring the department.  Councillor M Casey hoped that developers would be made aware of the steps which were being put into action. 

Concern was expressed by Members regarding the disregard by some developers in terms of the planning process.  Councillor K Warnell asked Officers to ensure that consultants were advised to stick with the legal process regarding unauthorised developments.  The Director provided assurances that the Council would take whatever action was appropriate.

In response to a query regarding the basis for external charging and follow ups, the Director explained that the Consultants would provide a cost basis for handling each enforcement action and would ensure that the Enforcement Team were provided with the resources and ability to support the action needed.

Members received the report.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and

(B)   an Action Plan be presented to the next meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee.