The
Head of Planning and Development explained that feedback from
Councillors and developers had shown that Planning Performance
Agreements (PPAs) were a success.
The
Committee commented that PPAs led to heightened engagement and
discussion. This resulted in better
quality development schemes, which was beneficial to Maidstone
Borough Council, Parish Councils and members of the
public. The approach allowed
Councillors and Officers to shape developments at an early stage,
ensured that solutions to problems were agreed earlier.
In
response to questions from the Committee, the Practice Area Team
Leader – Planning (Mid-Kent Legal) said that PPAs were not
used to fund the Planning Department.
Furthermore, information relating to PPAs was not confidential and
could be accessed through Freedom of Information requests.
RESOLVED:
That PPAs continue to be used.
Voting: For –
8 Against
– 1
Abstentions – 0