Agenda item

This report sets out the findings and recommendations from the E-Learning Facilities review. It asks the Committee to endorse the recommendations arising from the review prior to them being presented to Cabinet for consideration.

Members considered a report which set out the findings and recommendations from the E-Planning Facilities Review. It asked them to endorse the recommendations arising from the review prior to them being presented to the Cabinet for consideration.

In response to points raised by the speakers under Public Participation, Members were informed that they could make a recommendation regarding the timeliness of uploading documents associated with planning applications online.

Some Members felt that information such as when documents would be visible online and when additional information had been added on to the website, would be particularly important.

Members felt that there were exceptions when printed copies of information that would normally be only accessible online could be produced; such as when very large applications were considered. Some Members felt that with these types of application a set number of documents could be printed off to be shared amongst interested parties. Some suggested that the copies of documents held by Planning Officers could be archived at the central library.

Further discussion ensued between Members and Officers about public access and transparency. Some Members pointed out that if a person currently viewed a planning application in the Council Offices, then they had the opportunity to ask the Planning Officer questions. They were concerned however, if these documents were kept at public libraries, the library staff might not be able to answer specific questions related to the application.

Some Members felt that room hire at West Offices and through the library service should be free or at a very low cost. Other Members agreed with this suggestion and expressed the opinion that as Planning Panels and Parish Councils were voluntary, they should not be charged or charged as little as possible.

RESOLVED:       That the report be noted and that the Chair of the Task Group, in conjunction with the Scrutiny Officer, amend the recommendations and report to reflect the discussions at today’s meeting prior to it being presented to Cabinet

REASON:           To complete this scrutiny review.