Agenda item

The Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) Service was introduced by J Doe and then S Whelen presented the report and asked Committee if they had any questions.

Cllr Riddick queried the figures for the income.  S Whelan advised these were two slightly different points and one figure related to sites promoted through the local plan.

Cllr Riddick raised concerns about the income being £250k, we would hope that would become a standing base to increasing income.  S Whelan confirmed that this was already included.

Cllr Timmis said that PPA works well for Planning Department and the developer but not so well for local communities, there is no meaningful consultation as the decision has already been made.  S Whelan advised that it’s very helpful for developers to engage with Parish and Town Councils, which we would encourage and if there is early consultation you can steer the designs.  Cllr Timmis felt that it was a fait accompli by the time the customer sees it, plus such bodies as environmental groups are not included as consultees..

Cllr Ransley shared Cllr Timmis’ worries about consultation, the Town and Parish Council’s are side lined out of the decision making process.  Cllr Ransley also asked how big a development had to be to have a PPA.  S Whelan confirmed that environmental concerns is a massive part of the PPA, plus one of the key aspects of the signed PPA includes the community engagement via the Community Review Panel.

The Chairman said that we continuously have concerns raised that the Towns and Parish Councils are not involved and asked if they could have a representative on the Community Review Panel.  S Whelan advised that was not possible as it’s for the community and separate to the Council.  There are routes for the Town and Parish Councils already and advised we can look at the way we engage with them so that they feel included.  J Doe confirmed this was about enhancing the community engagement and if we don’t have this we will be bound by more formal statutory requirements.

Cllr Rogers endorsed that the consultation had no regards for Parish Councillors. They know the areas better, so would welcome a review of options for engaging better.  Cllr Rogers asked how much weight was given to the Parish Council on applications.  S Whelan replied that if the Parish Council comments on something that’s not a material planning matter we are unable to put any weight on it, but if it’s a material consideration we can put more weight on it. 

Cllr Hobson said that Hemel Hempstead did not have Town or Parish Councillors and asked if Ward Councillors could be consulted.  S Whelan replied that Ward Members are encouraged to comment.

Cllr Beauchamp asked what the costs were to the developer for a PPA and queried the cost per session for the Community Review Panel which is £3,300.  S Whelan confirmed that the fee for the developer is a bespoke fee for each scheme and that the cost of the Community Review Panel is for an external facilitator and the developer bears the cost for this.

The Chairman asked if the charges for the PPA and Pre-app were lumped together.  S Whelan advised they were lumped together as income that we received, but there are set charges for a pre-app and bespoke prices for a PPA.

Cllr McDowell mentioned that in the report it states ‘where appropriate’ Councillors will be consulted and asked if this could be expanded upon.  S Whelan said this is exactly what we are working towards, having Members involved as early as possible, being able to manage expectations from developers in terms of how complex the site is and if it needs a briefing and making sure in terms of Development Management Committee there is no concern about pre-determination.  J Doe highlighted that he held a weekly briefing with Cllr Sutton to go through all the schemes.

Cllr Silwal enquired how many people were on the Community Review Panel and if they’ve already met.  S Whelan confirmed there were 19 residents on the Panel and yes they’ve already met virtually.

Cllr Sutton explained that he very much welcomed the policy which formalises the process, he wanted to assure Members that it’s not about running roughshod over Members or Parish Councils, or that the decision has already been made, it’s not a fait accompli and the Development Control Committee is very democratic.  Cllr Sutton mentioned the LA5 and LA3 sites had great scrutiny and we also use Task and Finish Groups to shape the future of new developments.  Cllr Sutton added that there had always been a strong Member/Officer relationship and hopes that the new policy will strengthen this.

The report was noted.