The scheme of delegation for determining planning applications and related matters as approved by the council is set out below.
Extent of delegation
1. Determination of applications for permission, approval or consent, requirements for assessment, issuing of notices and completion or modification of agreements or obligations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990, the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and the Environment Act 1995, or any subordinate rules, orders or regulations made under that legislation.
2. Determination of all other matters required to be dealt with as part of the management and administration of the Council’s development control function and powers, including (but not exclusively):
- Amendments to approved plans
- Details submitted pursuant to conditions
- Matters relating to protected trees
- Consultation with other bodies on planning matters
- Enforcement of planning control (in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services)
- Appeals
- Screening opinions under the 1999 Environmental Assessment Regulations
3. Payment of historic building and conservation grants in response to applications fulfilling the relevant criteria, subject to finance being available within the current budget.
Exceptions to the scheme
1. Applications made by members of the council,senior officers (unit manager
level and above), any officer responsible to the Head of Planning and Regeneration,
or the spouse or partner of any of the foregoing who resides at the same address,
and/or applications relating to any land in which any of the foregoing have
an interest.
2. Applications vetoed by any member of the council.
3. Approvals contrary to policy – ie departures and potentially justifiable exceptions.
4. Applications which have aroused significant public interest on valid planning
grounds or an objection from a statutory consultee, at the discretion of the
Head of Planning and Regeneration or his nominated representative.
5. Applications subject to a parish council objection on valid planning grounds
where the recommendation is to grant permission or applications specifically
supported by the parish council where the recommendation is to refuse.
6. Applications subject to a request from a member of public that the matter
to be referred to the Planning Committee so that they may address the committee.
7. Confirmation of tree preservation or other orders or directions which are the subject of an objection.
* ‘valid planning grounds’ excludes objections made on any of the following grounds:
- Devaluation of property
- Loss of view
- Effect on trade/commercial competition
- Effect on private or civil rights
- Personal or financial circumstances or the character of the applicant
- Third party interests
- Matters covered by other legislation or controls including Building Regulations and licensing.