160707_Training for Planning Referrals Committee Members and Substitutes

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

DEMOCRACY COMMITTEE

 

7 JULY 2016

 

REFERENCE FROM PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

TRAINING FOR PLANNING REFERRALS COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS

 

At its meeting held on 2 June adjourned to 9 June 2016, the Planning Committee agreed a programme of training and development designed to assist Members and Substitute Members of the Committee in meeting the requirements of the Constitution.

 

During the discussion, it was suggested that the Democracy Committee be asked to recommend to the Council that the Constitution be amended to make it a requirement that Members and Substitute Members of the Planning Referrals Committee undergo training on the policies, procedures, legislation and guidance relevant to the work of the Planning Committee.

 

The Planning Referrals Committee comprises three Members (one from each of the three largest Political Groups, but excluding Members and Substitute Members of the Planning Committee).  The purpose of the Committee is to determine planning applications referred to it by the Head of Planning and Development if he/she is of the opinion that the decision of the Planning Committee is likely to have significant cost implications for the Council’s budget.  The Committee has met once to undertake this function since its establishment in 2006.

 

RECOMMENDED:  That the Council be recommended to agree that the Constitution be amended to make it a requirement that Members and Substitute Members of the Planning Referrals Committee undergo training on the policies, procedures, legislation and guidance relevant to the work of the Planning Committee.

 

NOTE:  In this connection, the following wording could be included in section 2.8 of Part 2.1 of the Constitution:

 

No Member will be able to serve on the Planning Referrals Committee without having agreed to undergo training on the policies, procedures, legislation and guidance relevant to the work of the Planning Committee, the details of which are to be agreed by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leaders of the Political Groups represented on the Committee.  The training must be completed before the Committee first meets to discharge its function and must be refreshed as appropriate.