Agenda item

The Committee received for consideration the Planning Division’s Annual Performance Report (APR) for the period April 2016 – March 2017. It was noted that production of the APR was a requirement of the Planning Performance Framework Table and had to be submitted to the Welsh Government by the 31^st October each year for evaluation against set indicators and targets.

The Following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

·        Reference was made to the Planning Division’s workload against the background of diminishing staff resources and clarification sought on its ability to continue to provide the range of services against that background.

The Head of Planning assured the Committee that continual assessment was undertaken of staffing resources in response to changing demands and legislation to future proof those resources to meet the AMR’s requirements. An example of that continual assessment was the recent restructuring of the planning and enforcement sections. The impact of that restructuring would be evaluated, and should it prove necessary a business case would be made to address any identified need for additional staff resources.

·        Reference was made to pages 79 and 82 of the report and the correlation of the tables therein detailing a reduction in both income levels and planning applications over recent years. Clarification was sought on whether there was a reason for the reduction.

The Head of Planning confirmed that whilst the Planning Division endeavoured to establish anticipated income levels against historic data, actual income levels and planning applications received was outside of its control being dependent upon a range of factors with the economic climate being the primary driver. The Division had however seen an increase in planning applications for the first quarter of 2017/18 compared to the previous year and it was anticipated further planning applications arising from the City Deal would increase income levels.

·        In response to a question on managing the impact of reducing income levels, the Head of Planning advised that there were a number of options available to the division in that regard which included deferment on the filling of vacant posts/restructuring to fund any potential deficit. To date, any potential for a deficit budget to occur had been managed.

·        References were made on the limitations of current national and local planning policies on the granting of new homes for farmers and the need to ensure sufficient provision was made to accommodate their requirements to remain on the farm holding and as part of the local community.

The Head of Planning reminded the Committee that the Council, at its September 2017 meeting, had agreed to review the Local Development Plan and the above issue would need to be raised as part of the review process.

·        Reference was made to page 87 of the report to the concern identified by members in relation to the delivery of the Council’s enforcement roles and activities. The Head of Planning advised that whilst the report identified planning enforcement as presenting particular and specific challenges, a debate was being undertaken on enforcement throughout the county incorporating planning, highways, environment and public protection with the aim of improving the enforcement process. That included how the authority could progress specific site problems and which division would be best placed in light of existing protocols and legislative/regulatory powers to address those issues.

·        Reference was made to the designation by Natural Resources Wales of flood areas, the perceived impact of those as a barrier to growth and if it was possible to change those designations.

The Head of Planning advised that whilst the flood maps could be challenged, there were cost implications associated therewith. She advised that as the Council had recently agreed to review its Local Development Plan an opportunity existed to examine the inclusion of specific sites therein and it was intended plans would be issued in the New Year for consultation providing the public/developers with the opportunity of requesting the inclusion of specific sites within the revised plan. However, should any of those sites be located within the designated flood maps, the developers would have to prove their development potential and that could include challenging the flood map.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received and forwarded to the Welsh Government by the 31^st October Deadline.