Issue - meetings

The Corporate Director of Economy & Place to present a report which seeks approval to continue the temporary amendments made to the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement in October 2020 for a further six months, in response to ongoing social distancing restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Resolved:  (i)      That the temporary revisions to the council’s adopted SCI, as set out in Annex A, be approved for a further period of 6 months maximum, to reflect the specific requirements arising from national guidance and procedures on dealing with the implications of coronavirus.

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Economy & Place, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Economy & Strategic Planning, to take a decision to revert back to the pre-pandemic version of the SCI when the pandemic situation allows for suspended consultation methods to be lifted.

Reason:     To ensure that consultation and engagement in the planning process remains effective at a time when restrictions have been placed on face to face social interactions to help combat the spread of coronavirus.

The Corporate Director of Economy & Place presented a report which sought approval to continue the temporary amendments made in October 2020 to the council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for a further six months, in response to ongoing restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report had been considered by the Local Plan Working Group (LPWG) on 20 April and their comments, including suggested changes to the recommendations, were reported at the meeting.

In response to questions from Members, officers confirmed that they were aware of the need to be inclusive and to make provision for those unable to access either the internet or libraries.  

Resolved:  (i)      That the temporary revisions to the council’s adopted SCI, as set out in Annex A, be approved for a further period of 6 months maximum, to reflect the specific requirements arising from national guidance and procedures on dealing with the implications of coronavirus.

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Economy & Place, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Economy & Strategic Planning, to take a decision to revert back to the pre-pandemic version of the SCI when the pandemic situation allows for suspended consultation methods to be lifted.

Reason:     To ensure that consultation and engagement in the planning process remains effective at a time when restrictions have been placed on face to face social interactions to help combat the spread of coronavirus.