Issue - meetings

That the Local Planning Enforcement Plan (LPEP) be approved for adoption.

The Executive considered a report relating to a proposed Local Planning Enforcement Plan (LPEP) which sets out the Council’s policy and procedures in respect of planning enforcement in order to preserve and enhance the build and natural environment and protect public amenities.

The Executive Member for Planning and Highways advised the meeting that the focus in the first instance would be on negotiations to resolve breaches of planning control; to encourage local residents to talk to each other and developers to resolve issues.  The Council also recognised that town and parish councils had an important part to play as the eyes and ears on the ground.

It was recognised that it was not always possible to resolve issues informally and the Council would monitor development and investigate reported breaches and when these gave rise to planning harm the Council would look to enforce using all legal powers at its disposal.  This would include prosecution via the courts whilst at the same time looking to recover the cost incurred in pursuing such cases.  It was noted that there were around 700 breaches reported per year; there was normally a workload of around 120 cases; and that approximately 1 in 8 of those reported actually ended up as breaches.

Councillor Kaiser further advised that the LPEP was a living document and it would be updated if issues arose that required it to be modified.

Councillor Jorgensen praised the Planning Enforcement Team for the work they had recently undertaken on developments in her ward.

RESOLVED:  That the Local Planning Enforcement Plan (LPEP) be approved for adoption.