Decision details

Cabinet was asked to consider the recommendations of the Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee, following a rapid review undertaken into Member engagement in planning.  During November and December 2021, the review group had collected evidence through meetings and by conducting a survey of elected Members and planning staff.  The review group had then met in January 2022 to discuss and agree its key findings and recommendations that were detailed at Appendix 1 to the report to Cabinet.

Cabinet considered their responses to the scrutiny review and it was agreed that the Member Development Working Group should take a lead in actioning some of the recommendations, particularly on guidance notes for Members and Officers, Meet the Planner ‘informal’ events and on political awareness training.  It was also commented that other areas such as planning enforcement and planning engagement with Town and Parish Councils would benefit from similar review by scrutiny.  

RESOLVED –

(1)           That the Select Committee and Review Group, as well as the supporting Officers, be thanked for their work and subsequent recommendations.

(2)           That Cabinet’s responses to the review, as detailed at the meeting be noted.

Note: a complete breakdown of the scrutiny recommendations and Cabinet’s responses can be found here.