Meeting documents

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the PAG held on 26 November 2015

The minutes of the PAG held on 26 November 2015 were agreed.

To consider any reports/updates from the Portfolio Holder or Members on Outside Bodies.

None.

The Portfolio Holder and Head of Service to update Members on Part 1 current issues relating to the PAG and to receive feedback from Members (if any).

None.

To consider report of the Interim Director of Services.

The PAG received a report regarding the Proposed Builders Partnership Scheme, seeking authority to establish a pilot scheme to offer Building Control customers within South Bucks access to information concerning builders carrying out business in a legitimate manner.

The PAG were informed that this would be a particularly beneficial scheme as residents frequently ask the advice of Building Control staff in regards to suitable builders. Additionally, partnership schemes have already been established with various contractors including architects and engineers, and the proposed Builders Partnership Scheme would seek to further complement this. As this is a pilot scheme, the PAG were assured that if authority be granted, the initial term would be for 2 years (commencing April 2016), with a review of the operation occurring after one year. 

After questions from Members, the PAG were assured that for the pilot period, entry to the scheme would be by invitation from Building Control, and by submission of Appendix A – the application form.

Following the ensuing discussion, and after consultation with the Members of the PAG, the Portfolio holder:

RESOLVED that a Builders Partnership Scheme be implemented in South Bucks for an initial 2 year period, with a review after one year of operation.

To consider report of the Interim  Director of Services.

Members of the PAG, at the request of the Portfolio Holder, received a draft guidance note regarding basement developments for South Bucks, prior to the document being considered at Planning Committee on the 13^th April, and were asked to provide feedback on its contents.

The Officer in attendance advised the PAG that no additional requirements were included in the draft document, and that additional measures would need to be adopted in the Local Plan, or within supplementary planning documents.

During the discussion, Members aired the view that there needed to be clarification where Planning and Building Control issues overlap.

The Portfolio Holder thanked Members of the PAG for their feedback.

To consider report of the Interim Director of Services.

The PAG received an update of the development of the shared Building Control service, detailing the progress of the 2 years since its inception, alongside the aims for the service’s future direction.

It was brought to Member’s attention that market share remains the same as when the service was introduced; with paragraph 3.6 of the report further detailing that checking applications within 10 working days had improved from 63% in April 2014 to 91.5% in January 2016. The time taken to deal with applications in April 2014 averaged 10.7 days, which has now decreased to 3.75 days. This was further reflected in point 3.8 of the report, with customer satisfaction at 92.6% from 84.6% at the start of the service.

During the ensuing discussion, Members and the Portfolio Holder   suggested that it may be beneficial for Councillors to attend the same seminars as Officers, which Officers took into consideration. Additionally, a Member inquired into whether Officers would be happy to permit Planning Committee Members a chance to shadow them for a day, as this would prove valuable in understanding the Building Control issues presented within South Bucks.

RESOLVED that the PAG note the report.

To receive an oral update.

The Portfolio Holder updated the PAG as to the progress of the Joint Local Plan. The PAG noted that the consultation period for the Regulation 18 Issues and Options ends at 5pm on Monday 14 March. The Local Plan presentation had been given within 6 local areas, with audiences spanning 40 to 450 people.

Officers relayed to the PAG that there had been vast interest in the process, and that with a few days still left for consultation, there had so far been circa 1,900 responses, with more expected in the final days.

None.

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 following item of business is not for publication to the press or public on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act."

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 following item of business is not for publication to the press or public on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act."

(para 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

The Portfolio Holder and Head of Service to update Members on update Part II current issues relating to the PAG and to receive feedback from Members (if any).

None.