Autonomous Vehicles Demonstration In Milton Keynes
The Warner Planning team were excited to have the opportunity to experience the autonomous Ohmio LIFT when they were testing in Milton Keynes
Decision Making in Planning - Quality vs. Quantity
A Committee meeting may also give the opportunity for a number of public speakers (procedures for this are managed by the Council’s Democratic Services/Committee Manager) to present their thoughts on the application to the Committee, Officers and any attendees. The Case Officer will have prepared a Committee Report with an Officer recommendation which will then be discussed. Members of Committee who discuss the proposal must ensure however that any decision they make is based on relevant planning policy, guidance and material planning considerations. A large number of public objections would not be a sufficient reason to refuse or approve an application unless there are substantial planning grounds to accompany this.
When does an application go to Planning Committee?
The number of representations needed for Officers to take an application to Committee is usually set out in the Council’s agreed Scheme of Delegation. This will vary from Authority to Authority. In most cases between 90-95% of submitted applications will be determined under Delegated powers with a report and recommendation made to a Senior Officer/Team Leader/Manager who has authority to issue decisions ‘in-house’. In certain circumstances, should an application be deemed to be significantly controversial or significant, it can be agreed between Officers and the Chair of Committee for it to be brought before Planning Committee on the grounds of public interest/significance.
Keeping representations relevant
If an application is being considered and a representation (comment) is made, either against or in favour, the Case Officer will review this submission to extract the material planning considerations. Our previous article sets out the valid planning considerations and also those which aren’t valid, for example the impact on property prices.
The key for all involved parties is to focus on relevant planning matters. Whilst communities may wish to submit correspondence directly to the Council to express their views it is important to be aware that whilst this may impact the process and format in which an application is determined it will not necessarily result in an application being determined in-line with their views. It is also helpful to mention that should an application be refused either by Committee or via a Delegated Decision the applicant will still have a Right of Appeal which will be dealt with via the Planning Inspectorate so a refusal does not necessarily mean that the application won’t be permitted at a later date through the Appeals process.
Public engagement
The Planning Process does encourage public engagement, and publicity is carried out when an application is first validated to notify those who would be most impacted by the proposed development. This publicity can be in various forms depending on the proposal, the location and how each Authority arranges their communication. It could be letters posted to individual properties, site notices displayed or notifications in the local press.
How can Warner Planning help?
Many people now choose to appoint a Planning Consultant to support them through the planning process particularly when preparing submissions to the Council to secure planning consent. Interested third parties can also appoint a Planning Consultant to prepare and submit comments on their behalf in response to a planning application that they have been notified of. Warner Planning have previously prepared representations on behalf of Parish Councils, community groups and individuals as part of the planning process.
Get in touch!
If there is a potential project which you would like to discuss in more detail, please do get in touch. If you are seeking support with making a representation on a current application as an interested party we would love to hear from you to see how we can assist!
Having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.
If you think you need support with your project, we’d be happy to help.
You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.
The Warner Planning team were excited to have the opportunity to experience the autonomous Ohmio LIFT when they were testing in Milton Keynes
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