The
Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and
Development setting out details of appeal decisions received since
the last meeting.
Members
were disappointed and concerned about the number of applications
for residential development in rural areas that had been allowed by
the Planning Inspector. In response to
questions, the Major Projects Manager confirmed that in a number of
respects these reflected cases where Inspectors had applied a
subjective assessment of the impact upon character and
appearance.
Members
also expressed concerns relating to the execution of quality when a
number of schemes allowed on appeal had been built out. The Major Projects Manager explained that often on
appeal schemes the Council was left with little control; for
example, Planning Inspectors followed the six tests for planning
conditions rigidly and often schemes would not have the same
conditions that the Committee might apply. However, where the discharge of conditions
required the approval of the Local Planning Authority, there was an
opportunity to seek an appropriate level of quality and
detail.
Members
raised the issue of the effectiveness of certain policies and the
Major Projects Manager explained that as part of the Local Plan
review, the effectiveness of the suite of development management
policies was being examined.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.