Introduction

Many applications for planning permission do not raise problems or result in only one or two local objections.  These applications are normally dealt with by the Council’s Officers and do not come to the Planning Committees.  Such applications fall outside of this scheme, and potential objectors should understand that making an objection does not automatically mean that the application concerned will be dealt with at Committee.  On request, Officers will be able to advise how a particular application is to be dealt with.

Those applications that need a decision from Councillors are dealt with at one of the Council’s Area Development Control Sub Committees, or the main Development Control Committee.  The Committees comprise elected Members of the Council (Councillors).

The Council has decided that the public will be allowed to make representations about planning applications directly to Councillors at these meetings.  The public will also be allowed to make representations on other matters, in particular the enforcement of planning legislation, where these are reported to the Planning Committees.  You are, of course, also able to contact Councillors and/or to make written representations during the period when an item is being considered by the Council.

How does the scheme work?

Those applying for planning permission, together with those who have written to the Council to object or to support an application, are told the date of the meeting which will consider the matter if the application is to be dealt with at Committee.  Together with site owners and/or operators, those who have complained about breaches of planning legislation are also told of the date if it is intended that the Committee will consider the matter.

By giving notice to the Senior Democratic Services Officer (see contact details at the end of this leaflet), any person may indicate their wish to make a statement to the Committee.

A period of time is allocated at the beginning of each item on the Committee agenda so that Councillors can hear any representations under the scheme.  Your comments must be about that agenda item only.  If you have given notice that you wish also to speak about other items on the agenda, you must wait until those items are heard.  Statements will last for not more than three minutes.  Where the total number of speakers for or against exceed the time available, they will be advised by the Council’s officers to make arrangements for one of them to make a statement on behalf of all or that they will have to share the time.

If more than one person is registered to speak on the same issue, it is sometimes considered beneficial to put these people in touch with each other so that they can discuss the issue and formulate their views before the meeting is held. You will be asked for your consent for us to pass on your contact details to third parties who register to speak on the same issue. Personal contact information will not be made available without prior consent.

What notice is required?

A letter, fax, e-mail or telephone call to the Council’s Democratic Services department received by the close of business two days before a Committee (usually Wednesday evenings) is required (e.g. by the close of business on Monday for the meeting on Wednesday).

Where and When are the meetings held?

Meetings are normally held on a four weekly cycle at the following venues.

Planning Committee - Guildhall, Bath - 5.30pm.

The Order of Speaking will be:

Parish/Town Council representative(s)  3 minutes in total (per proposal)

Objector(s)                                                   3 minutes in total (per proposal)

The applicant, agent, supporter(s)          3 minutes in total (per proposal)

(This means a maximum of 9 minutes per proposal)

What will happen at the meeting?

If you have given notice to speak, you should arrive at the meeting place about 15 minutes before the start time and take up a seat as previously directed when you gave notice.  A list of the speakers will be available.

Applications will normally be considered in the order in which they appear on the agenda.  It is not possible to tell you when a particular application will be heard as the time taken to consider applications varies.  Speakers on particular applications will be heard in the order set out above.

After all the speakers have had their say, the Committee will, if necessary, receive advice from its officers about the points raised.  Ward Councillors who are not on the Committee may attend and speak on an application. The Councillors will then consider the proposal.  There is no further opportunity for you to speak at this stage.  

What form may my representation take?

What you say and how you say it is up to you, but you should only address the planning issues.  The Committee is entitled to expect that your comments will be polite and courteous to others.

Given the limited time available, it will not be possible for you to use any slides or other forms of presentation.

Please be advised that you cannot present documents in any form to the Committee Members at the meeting.

You should limit your comment to relevant planning issues.  These include:

• suitability of the site for development (including conflicts with the policies in any Local Plan/Structure Plan – available for inspection from Planning Services);
• design, appearance and layout issues;
• possible loss of light or overshadowing;
• highway safety and traffic issues;
• impact on residential amenity/trees/conservation area/listed buildings;
• possible noise disturbance, pollution and smell nuisance;
• planning policies, government and planning case law including previous decisions of the Council.

Issues that are not relevant in planning terms include:

• private property rights (boundary/access disputes; restrictive covenants)
• effect on value of the property;
• matters covered by other laws;
• personality issues or private disputes;
• competition with other businesses

What if I have special needs?

The Council is anxious to ensure that everyone has access to its public speaking arrangements.  If you have any particular needs or concerns about speaking at the meeting, please discuss them with the Committee Administrator.  We will do whatever we can to help or to reassure you.

Other important information

It is advisable to check with Planning Services (01225 394041) a few days before the Committee meeting to find out if an application in which you have an interest is still to be considered at that meeting.  It is sometimes the case that applications are withdrawn by the applicant at very short notice.

You do not have to attend a meeting to ensure that your points are registered with the Committee.  The Planning Officer will report to the Councillors all relevant written comments received before a decision is taken.

The Planning Officer’s written report to the Committee is normally available to the public five working days before the meeting.

You should note that the recommendation of the Planning Officer is not always agreed by the Committee.