Issue - meetings

This report assesses the operation of the formalised pre application service for planning advice which was introduced on 4 January 2011, and provides options for the delivery of the service going forward.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That, subject to minor amendment in

respect of bullet point 3 to clarify that where detailed or complex specialist input is required, a specified additional charge may be levied at the outset, option (c) as set out in the report be approved i.e.:-

·        Refinement and enhancement of the service combined with modest increase of the fees to recover more of the costs of provision as required in the budget

·        Removal of second charge for follow up queries and add listed building advice category

·        Introduction of fees for ongoing schemes where no charge has been made for the last 12 months; establishment of “retainer”; fees for regular developers and organisations in the city, and provision for additional charges to be levied where significant detailed or complex specialist input becomes necessary. 

(ii)      That the schedule of fees, as set out in Annex 6 of the report, be approved.

REASON:  In order to continue to provide a consistent and structured approach to enquiries, within the required timeframe.

Members considered a report that assessed the operation of the formalised pre-application service for planning advice which was introduced on 4 January 2011, and provided options for the delivery of the service going forward.  The report set out the extent to which the service had been used in terms of the number and type of queries received, and the number leading to applications.

Members considered the options detailed in paragraph 22 of the report. 

Members noted that minor clarifications were required in respect of bullet point 3 of Option (c).

Members were pleased to note the progress that had been made and stated that this was an excellent service to offer.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That, subject to minor amendment in

respect of bullet point 3 to clarify that where detailed or complex specialist input is required, a specified additional charge may be levied at the outset, option (c) as set out in the report be approved i.e.:-

·        Refinement and enhancement of the service combined with modest increase of the fees to recover more of the costs of provision as required in the budget

·        Removal of second charge for follow up queries and add listed building advice category

·        Introduction of fees for ongoing schemes where no charge has been made for the last 12 months; establishment of “retainer”; fees for regular developers and organisations in the city, and provision for additional charges to be levied where significant detailed or complex specialist input becomes necessary. 

(ii)      That the schedule of fees, as set out in Annex 6 of the report (subject to modification as in (i) above), be approved.

REASON:  In order to continue to provide a consistent and structured approach to enquiries, within the required timeframe.