Regeneration & Devolution Cabinet Member – Minutes – 6 August 2015

5          (5)  DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICE – The Director of Places submitted a report which sought approval of a development plan for the Development Management service aimed at improving the quality of services provided to customers and the overall performance of the service.

The Development Management service was responsible for discharging the council’s responsibilities as a local planning authority (LPA). As such it was a key front line function, providing services to customers including residents and businesses.

Feedback from customers had highlighted a need to improve the quality of the service in line with the council priority of achieving excellence in customer service. Changes in legislation affecting the service and subsequent national guidance connected with these changes also required development of this key area.

In response to these issues, the Director of Places requested that service managers prepare an action plan aimed at improving the quality of services provided to customers and the overall performance of the service. In developing this plan, consideration was given to the feedback received from customers, best practice evidenced in other LPA’s and the views expressed by employees involved in delivering the service on the changes required going forward.

The development plan highlights the key areas that offered opportunities for improving the service, while reflecting available resources.

It was confirmed that officers would regularly monitor the delivery and effectiveness of the plan and make changes as necessary.

Resolved – That the development plan for the Development Management service appended to the report, aimed at improving the quality of services provided to customers and the overall performance of the service, be approved.

 

6          (6)  PLACES DIRECTORATE PLAN AND PERFORMANCE TARGETS 2015-16 – The Director of Places submitted a report which sought approval of the 2015-16 directorate plan and performance targets for the Places directorate.

Annual Directorate plans were produced to help ensure that the key actions in the North Lincolnshire strategy were delivered.  The directorate plan had received a ‘light touch’ update to reflect service priorities for 2015-16 and was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The North Lincolnshire strategy and the directorate plan were both measured by a number of key performance indicators. The proposed set of indicators for the directorate and their target attainment for 2015-16 were detailed in Appendix 1.

Resolved – That the Places Directorate Plan be approved.

 

7          (7) INTERIM GUIDANCE – PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE:  A GUIDE TO COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – The Director of Places submitted a report which sought approval of further guidance for applicants and communities regarding community involvement in planning applications.

Community involvement lay at the heart of the planning system. It was explained that more than ever before, local people had the chance to get involved, influence and shape the future growth and development of their communities. This could take the form of participating in the preparation of planning policy documents, pre- application consultation events, commenting on planning applications as well as drawing up neighbourhood plans for their area.

The council adopted a Statement of Community Involvement(SCI) in July 2010. This set out how the council would involve local people and other key stakeholders in preparing planning policy as well as advice for developers submitting major planning applications.

A review of arrangements had identified a need to provide further guidance for applicants and communities relating to effective community involvement as part of the planning application process. To this end, officers had prepared an interim guidance which was appended to the report.

Resolved – That the Interim Guidance – Planning Applications in North Lincolnshire: A Guide to Community Involvement be approved.