Agenda item

Planning Development Management Performance Summary 2017/18

(i)            Report of the Planning Development Manager.

(ii)          Presentation by the Planning Team Leader – Central and East.

Minutes:

The Chairman asked the Team Leader - Central and East, Alan Dobie to give an update on Planning Development Management Performance 2017/18(for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Team Leader - Central and East noted that the report was presented to Committee for information, and asked Members to note the headline figures relating to performance.  He explained that performance figures were all above Government targets.  Members noted the number of planning appeals that were successful for each Committee and it was added that if Government thought too often decisions of a Committee were being overturned at the Planning Inspectorate, then Government could asked developers to apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate.  The Team Leader - Central and East noted that it was important for the Committee to ensure that any decision for refusal of an application was grounded, with solid reasons for refusal.

 

The Committee noted performance of Durham County Council against other comparable Local Authorities and the national average and the Council was noted as performing well.  In reference to enforcement, Members noted responses in time to the three priority levels, and were informed of the impact of management changes in terms of the Central and East Team, as regards some not being signed off in time.

 

The Chairman thanked the Team Leader - Central and East and asked Members of the Committee for their comments and questions.

 

Councillor O Temple asked as regards the report noting “appeals allowed”, did this mean appeals that were successful against decisions made by Committee, or did it included those determined under delegated powers in addition.  The Team Leader - Central and East noted that the numbers did include both Committee and Delegated Decisions.  Councillor J Maitland agreed that it would be useful to have the numbers in terms of Delegated and Committee decisions.  The Team Leader agreed to report back to the Committee on this.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the report and presentation be noted.

 

Supporting documents: