Decision details

That until 6 July 2021, the Head of Planning and Building Control continues to be authorised, in consultation with members of the Planning Regulatory Board, to discharge the functions delegated by the Council to the Planning Regulatory Board which are:-

All matters of town and country planning regarding development control and related regulatory functions, including the making of appropriate statutory orders, public rights of way; minerals and waste disposal planning and control; building control matters; matters connected with the safety of sports grounds; supervision of all land subject to reclamation for the time being owned by the Council.

The current restrictions under which the Council is operating arising from the Covid 19 outbreak have impacted on the ability of the organisation to determine planning applications in accordance with the normal arrangements for decision making set out in the Council’s Constitution. In April 2020, using the urgent action procedures contained within the Council’s Constitution, the Chief Executive delegated all matters of town and country planning to the Head of Planning and Building Control in consultation with the members of the Planning Regulatory Board for a period three months subject to a further review at that point in the light of the position with regard to restrictions social distancing arising from the Covid 19 outbreak.  This was then extended by a further 3 months in July, November and February 2021.

As circumstances remain unchanged (ie the Planning & Regulatory Board is still meeting virtually) and that the amended process is operating successfully, it is proposed to continue with the arrangements for another 2 months given the current uncertainty as to whether virtual meetings can proceed past 6 May 2021 and the potential lifting of lockdown restrictions on 21 June 2021.