A Decision about Development

This may seem a rather dull post, without the benefit of pictures or conversation, but it contains some important information for those interested in what I, as a councillor, can do for the Ward with regard to the important area of Planning.

A number of people have expressed their surprise when I have told them that, despite my interest in planning matters, I decided not to agitate for a seat (apart from as a substitute) on the Development Committee.

Before the election Colin and I discussed this and came to the conclusion that we can probably better serve the interests of residents of Waldingfield Ward if we do not sit on Development. This does not mean that we will not keep a very close eye on what is happening within the Ward, being sure to use our right to speak (but not to vote) at Development Committee meetings where necessary or appropriate. For example, as I described on the web-log in April, Colin exercised his right to be heard at the meeting that discussed the Gravel Pit at Chilton, when he spoke very persuasively against the proposals.

Before every meeting of the Committee we receive notice of the agenda, and, in addition to being able to ask the Chairman for the right to address the meeting, we can try to arrange to have a particular application ‘called in’ for discussion by the Committee, if it is the intention of the officers to decide the matter using their delegated powers and we feel that the case merits further discussion. This cannot be done on a whim however; one needs to have ‘planning related’ reasons. It is not acceptable to ‘call in’ items for reasons that are personal or particular to the applicant since this leads to unfair decision making. In this connection I want to assure readers that I will be attending all the available training sessions on planning related matters which take place at regular intervals so that I am on top of what can and can’t be done.

Another reason that we may be better placed operating from outside the Committee is that our ability to participate and vote in debates with regard to Ward related issues could be restricted due to the doctrine of ‘predetermination’. This is the situation where one is thought to have already made up one’s mind about a particular issue prior to its discussion. (You may remember the situation that occurred during the last Council where some Members were precluded from voting at the Development Committee due to the fact that they had signed a petition opposing development in Cornard.)

It is a mistake to think that it is only the Development Committee that has input into planning matters. It is a quasi judicial body, which (in theory at least) has to make decisions according to the rules set down by the Government and according to the Local Plans etc. already adopted by the Council. Special task forces are set up for matters such as Chilton Woods, important decisions are made by full Council Meetings, and the Strategy Committee, on which both Colin and I sit has, I believe, significant input into longer term planning policy. I shall find out more about this when I have attended one of its meetings!