Guide to participant speaking at Planning Committee
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- Commenting On A Planning Application
The Council is committed to public involvement in the planning process. Members of the public have an opportunity to put their views on a development proposal direct to the Planning Committee when planning applications are being considered.
The purpose of the scheme is to give you an opportunity to make your views known in person to the Committee. Letters of support or objection will also continue to be taken into account.
Information
Can I speak on all planning applications?
No, only on those applications which are due to be determined by the Planning Committee. The Committee generally only deals with major, complex and the more controversial planning matters. The vast majority of applications are determined by officers under ‘delegated powers’.
When and where does the Planning Committee meet?
The meetings are held in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre at Pershore. The committee meets on a Thursday. The meetings usually start at 2pm.
Who can speak at the meeting?
Applicants, their agents, or nominated representative, chairman or clerk, or their nominated representative, of the parish or town council, and objectors.
When will I find out the date of the meeting?
All those with a right to speak will be informed of a meeting date a few days in advance. Anyone making a late representation may forego the opportunity to speak.
How do I arrange to speak at the meeting?
Those wishing to speak must complete the online form to register - WDC Public Speaking at Planning Committee Registration Form – Fill in form by no later than 12 noon on the Monday before the Thursday of the Planning Committee meeting.
If you cannot complete the online form, or have any questions, please contact Member Support Services by email or telephone:
Tel: 01386 565420/565679
Email:
Registration as an objector is on a first come, first served basis. It is possible for more than one objector to share the time available, but this must be agreed between the objectors, and Member Support Services notified, in advance of registration closing.
Each speaking slot is a total of three minutes, even when shared by more than one speaker. The three-minute limit will be strictly applied by the Chair.
A list of those wishing to speak will be available on the website the day before the meeting and will be displayed in the Council Chamber 30 minutes before the start of the meeting.
A copy of the committee agenda will be available in advance on our planning agenda webpage.
Who is on the Planning Committee and who else will be there?
The committee is made up of elected Councillors. Some Council staff attend to advise the Committee, and other Councillors may be present to speak on planning applications or enforcement matters within their ward. Any member of the public or applicant may attend to listen to the debate, and the press may also be present.
What can I say?
Comments must be on planning issues. These can include highway safety, traffic, noise, amenity, privacy, pollution, historic buildings, conservation, wildlife, environmental effects, disabled access, local plan policies and proposals, and Government Guidance.
Issues which cannot be taken into account include: the developer’s motives or morals, loss of views over other people’s land, property values, private rights, covenants, and boundary disputes.
Please don't:
- Make statements of a personal or slanderous nature
- Be abusive
- Interrupt other speakers, or the Committee during their debate
The Chair will stop you speaking if you deviate from planning issues.
What happens at the committee?
The Chairman will announce the application and the Planning Officer will update the written report if necessary. Then the following groups of speakers will be invited to address the committee, in the following order:
- Parish council
- Objector(s)
- Applicant/ Agent
The Chairman, local wards members and/or members of the Planning Committee may ask speakers questions to clarify any issues.
If the decision is deferred, you may have a further chance to speak when the matter returns to the committee.
A maximum of 3 minutes is available for each group of speakers. The time is strictly enforced.
Please note:
Additional presentation material such as photographs or plans cannot be handed out at the meeting.