Agenda item

The Committee received a report presented by the Executive Board Member – Deputy Leader (with responsibility for Planning Services), the Executive Board Member for Housing and the Executive Board Member for Environment on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on those Council Services provided by the Environment Department falling within the remit of the Community and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee i.e: Planning Services and Property. Whilst assessing the impact of the pandemic on those services, the reports also helped to inform on how they could be reset and further improve their future delivery.

The report was divided into two separate elements covering Planning Services and Property and reflected on the impact of Covid-19 from a service user, staff and Council perspective and related to the following service areas:

The Deputy Leader of the Council referred to the development of the Council’s Revised Local Development Plan (LDP) and reported that, due to the pandemic, the consultation on the Deposit Version which, although in March 20202 nad been impacted by the Covid Outbreak. The last two weeks were affected in that access to libraries was suspended. As a result a further three week consultation was undertaken which commenced on the 2^nd October 2020. She also referred to the legislation regarding the “drop dead” provisions for the current LDP and reported the Welsh Government had, the previous day, accepted the Council’s revised Delivery Agreement which meant the existing LDP would remain in operation pending adoption of the new plan in July 2022.

The following issues were raised on the report:-

·       Reference was made to the suspension of site visits by the Development Control and Building Control sections during the pandemic and to whether a decision had been made on their resumption.

The Deputy Leader advised that whilst any site visits undertaken would, at present, require to be assessed on a case by case basis, proposals were gradually being resumed, subject to any Covid-19 restrictions in force, to minimise the potential for a further backlog.

·       In response to a question, it was confirmed the Welsh Government had not relaxed the requirement for local planning authorities to determine certain classes of planning applications within an eight week period during the pandemic. However, the service was endeavouring to determine applications as quickly as was possible and where it became evident determination would be delayed, discussions regarding an extension of time were undertaken with applicants on an individual basis.

·       Reference was made to the current backlog of planning applications awaiting determination. Whilst it was accepted every effort was being made to address that position, which included the Planning Committee sitting every two weeks, clarification was sought on when it was anticipated they would be addressed.

The Committee was advised that additional resources had been commissioned to tackle the backlog of outstanding applications and every effort was being made to address the situation as quickly as was possible.

·       Reference was made to the financial impact of Covid-19 on the Planning Division’s income stream and to how that would affect its ability to achieve a positive budget.

The Executive Board Member confirmed income had reduced by approximately a third in Quarter 1 of the current financial year but that some degree of a bounce back had occurred in quarter 2 via a combination of fees received in Q1, not registered until Q2, together with new applications received. Regarding the impact on the division’s overall budget, the Head of planning advised that an imminent introduction of a fee increase would assist in achieving a more favourable budget position.

·       Reference was made to the resumption of the Council’s new build programme and to the difficulties encountered in sourcing some building materials. Clarification was sought on what impact those difficulties may have on project delivery timescales.

The Committee was advised that whilst some difficulties had been encountered within the supply chain, it was envisaged those would be short term. However, they could, potentially, result in increased development costs. Notwithstanding those difficulties, it was confirmed the council’s new build schemes were progressing, as detailed within the report.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the reports be received.