Issue - meetings

Report of Executive Director for Place and Regeneration

Purpose of report

To agree the response to the motion raised at the Council meeting on 20 October with regard to planning support for Town and Parish Councils. To seek approval for the allocation of £15,000 to provide targeted support to parish and town councils (PCs/TCs) in responding effectively to large-scale planning applications.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To approve the in-year funding of up to £15,000 for the funding of a support package to Town and Parish Councils to respond to planning applications.

1.2           To approve the virement of £15,000 from Health and Wellbeing (this budget was originally intended for the heating hardship fund, however the Government reinstated the winter fuel allowance national scheme, so this is no longer required) to Planning and Development Management.

Resolved

(1)            That the in-year funding of up to £15,000 for the funding of a support package to Town and Parish Councils to respond to planning applications be approved.

(2)            That the virement of £15,000 from Health and Wellbeing (this budget was originally intended for the heating hardship fund, however the Government reinstated the winter fuel allowance national scheme, so this is no longer required) to Planning and Development Management be approved.

Executive Director for Place and Regeneration to agree the response to the motion raised at the Council meeting on 20 October with regard to planning support for Town and Parish Councils. To seek approval for the allocation of £15,000 to provide targeted support to parish and town councils (PCs/TCs) in responding effectively to large-scale planning applications.

Councillor Rogers, proposer of the motion, addressed Executive and commented that he was very pleased with the response, which acknowledged the importance of engaging and working with Town and Parish Councils.

Resolved

(1)            That the in-year funding of up to £15,000 for the funding of a support package to Town and Parish Councils to respond to planning applications be approved.

(2)            That the virement of £15,000 from Health and Wellbeing (this budget was originally intended for the heating hardship fund, however the Government reinstated the winter fuel allowance national scheme, so this is no longer required) to Planning and Development Management be approved.

Reasons

That Executive approves the allocation of £15,000 to deliver the above support package, enabling parish councils to engage more effectively with large-scale planning applications and contribute meaningfully to the planning process.

Alternative options

Option 1: Do Nothing. With a number of significant applications including nationally significant infrastructure projects, this option is not recommended as parish councils will not have access to make appropriate representations.