Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Leader of the Council

Councillor R Blunt presented the report, which sought Cabinet approval for the introduction of a charging structure for formal paid pre-planning application advice service for minor pre-applications and an amended procedure and updated charging structure for formal paid pre-planning application advice service for major pre-applications.

Members welcomed the proposals although it was noted that during implementation it would need to be monitored whether the charging system may lead to applicants no longer seeking advice and therefore leading to more work for the Planning department later down the line due to lower quality applications.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT CABINET

1)    Agree to the introduction of a charging structure for formal paid pre- planning application advice service for minor pre-applications from 1 July 2021.

2)    Agree to the amended procedure and updated charging structure for formal paid pre-planning application advice service for major pre-applications from 1 July 2021.

3)    Delegates authority to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Planning and Infrastructure portfolio holder, to review the scheme and the charging structure on an annual basis and implement changes in line with the corporate approach to fees and charges.

Reason for decision: To introduce a formalised pre-planning application advice service for minor applications and amend the procedure and charging schedule for major applications.