Agenda item

This report is to advise Members of a validation checklist to Members for consultation prior to its adoption for use in the registration and validation of planning applications.

Members considered a report that advised them of a validation checklist for consultation prior to its adoption for use in the registration and validation of planning applications. The Government is introducing a new standard electronic application form for applications for planning permission made under the Town and Country Planning system and Listed Building and Conservation Area consent regime. The intention of the electronic form is to simplify the process for applicants and agents submitting applications on line by tailoring itself to the type of application being submitted. Alongside this and to support the use of the standard application form, the Government is also introducing new information requirements for the validation of planning applications by local planning authorities.

Officers updated that the following amendments had been made to the Validation Requirements For Planning and Other Applications Submitted Under the Town and Country Planning Acts (Pre-Consultation Draft February 2008):

·        Under the 4^th bullet point beneath the heading Local Requirements (Page 134 of the agenda) entitled Parking Provision – ‘Where a scheme … demands are met within the application site bearing in mind the City of York Council’s maximum parking standards.’

·        The second bullet point on Page 141 of the agenda under the heading Open Space Assessment – to remove the word certain from the third sentence so that it reads ‘It is also expected that with residential schemes new open spaces will…’

·        The first bullet point on page 142 of the agenda under the heading Planning Statement – to change the final sentence to read ‘For all new developments applicants will be expected to have regard to the Council’s guidance on Sustainable Buildings, and to the Code for Sustainable Homes for residential development. The Guidance can be viewed at…’

·        The final bullet point on page 143 of the agenda  - to add in ‘… by all modes of transport, for example foot, bicycle or car, as well as giving…’

Members raised concerns regarding the short three week consultation period and were informed that this was in order to meet the Government deadline of 6^th April for implementation.

Some Members welcomed the proposals but felt that the costs of development were too high.

Members were presented with the following options:

Option A                    Do not approve and adopt the Validation Checklist (with local criteria).

Option B                   To approve the Validation Checklist (with local criteria) for public consultation over a 3 week period.

Option C                   To approve the Validation Checklist (with local criteria) without public consultation.

RESOLVED:             (i)That Members agree Option B to approve the Validation Checklist for public consultation over a 3 week period to include:¹

·                    Consultation with planning consultants and agents

·        Consultation with community groups and amenity societies not listed in paragraph 8 of the report

·        Consultations with Parish Councils and Planning Panels

·        Placement of the document on the Council Website, in public libraries and Council offices

(ii)That Members agree to receive comments and consider the consultation responses at the March Planning Committee meeting.²

REASON:                  In order that the checklist can be adopted before 6^th April 2008.