Issue - meetings

1.  That the move towards a thin file format be supported

2.  That thin file format copies of planning applications not be withdrawn until further notice

3.  That Officers consult on and trial the thin file approach with Parish Councils

The Mid Kent Planning Support Manager presented a report on E-Planning – Parish Copies of Applications.

The Mid Kent Planning Support Manager informed the Committee that there should be amended wording in the first paragraph of the recommendation, which should have read: that the Committee note the decision to remove hardcopies to parishes will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2018. With parishes provided with hardcopies of plans only, from June 2017 to 31 March 2018.

The Committee was asked to note that there had been previous consultation with Parish Councils on this issue in 2014 and that Maidstone Borough Council proposed to work with Parish Councils over the next 11 months in order to understand any issues that they may have and work together to find solutions. It was proposed that thin file paper copies of planning applications could be provided to Parish Councils in order to reduce costs, but also provide parishes with paper copies of plans for planning applications.

The Director of Regeneration and Place confirmed to the Committee that thin file format copies of planning applications would not be withdrawn without notifying the Committee.

Councillor Perry, attending as a visiting member, spoke in objection to the proposed changes in the update.

Councillor de Wiggondene arrived during discussion of this item at 19:14.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the move towards a thin file format be supported

Voting:  For – 6  Against – 3  Abstentions – 0 

2.  That thin file format copies of planning applications not be withdrawn until further notice

3.  That Officers consult on and trial the thin file approach with Parish Councils

Voting:  For – 8  Against – 1  Abstentions – 0