The Special Public Participation Scheme is set out below:

1. Anyone wishing to speak with regard to a modification order is required to submit a written statement, or otherwise notify the Council of the nature of their representations, 5 clear working days in advance of the meeting to enable officers [and the applicant, where appropriate] to consider the issues being raised.
2. The opportunity for the applicants to present their views is followed by any person or group wishing to oppose the Application. Each individual or group of speakers to be limited to one statement of five minutes. [Some flexibility in this may be allowed by the Committee depending on the numbers and nature of speakers].
3. The Committee may at its sole discretion in exceptional circumstances extend the period allowed in paragraph 2, above.
4. The Committee will always ensure it allows relevant Officer advice to be given in respect of any representations made before determining the matter in question.
5. If, in the opinion of the Committee, having considered the reports and any representations under the Public Participation Scheme, they feel the applicant reasonably requires more time to consider the objections, they shall adjourn to a later "special" meeting of the Committee. Such meeting shall be arranged as quickly as possible subject to giving the applicant reasonable time to prepare.
6. At any such adjourned meeting the Committee will not receive any further representations from objectors and, if the applicant wishes to attend (rather than deal with his/her further representations by writing) will confine the applicant to dealing with those issues raised by objectors at the previous meeting and in connection with which further time was requested.

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 for modification orders 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 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.