Public Speaking at Committee on Planning Applications

Members of the public now have the right to speak at meetings of the Development Control and Environmental Protection Committee and the Planning Committee on any planning application which has not been determined. Please Note this does not apply to agenda items in connection with requests for minor amendment approvals.

This information tries to answer questions you might have about the procedures and what to expect at the meeting itself. In order to ensure that the system is fair and easy to operate the Council has formulated some simple rules.

The purpose of the right to speak is to give members of the public the opportunity to make their views known directly to the Committee about the planning merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. The right to speak applies equally to objectors, supporters and Parish Councils. Applicants or their agents have the right to speak only in response to an objector speaking at the meeting. Borough Councillors not on the Committee have a right to speak on any item for three mintues plus a further two minutes at the end of the debate but applicants do not have a right of reply in this instance.

Does the right to speak alter existing procedures for publicity of planning applications?

No, current publicity for planning applications will continue. If you have comments on a planning application you should write to the Planning Services Manager in the normal way ensuring your written comments are received within the timescale set out in the neighbour notification letter, site or press notice. Please note that some applications are determined by the Planning Services Manager in accordance with the Council's Scheme of Delegation (Amended 21/04/2008). If an application goes to Committee a summary of objections is included in the written report.

If I object to a proposal do I have to speak at Committee?

No, your objection is reported to Committee. You may not wish to attend or speak. Officers' recommendations may be in line with your views and you may feel there is little point in amplifying your written views. Officers' recommendations are not, however always followed by Committee.

If I want to speak how do I arrange it?

About 6 working days before Committee the Council will write to the Parish Council, the agent, and every person who wrote in objecting to or supporting the proposal. If you want to speak you will need to return the slip attached to the notification letter or telephone Shrewsbury 01743 281341 by no later than 12.00 noon on the day before the meeting and indicate whether you will be speaking as a supporter or objector.

Please note that if the meeting is on a Monday, you must indicate your interests by 12 noon on the previous Friday.

Only one objector or supporter is allowed to speak. If you have registered to speak on an application please make sure that you check the 'List of People Wishing to Speak on Applications' book which will be on the table by the Public Gallery inside the Council Chamber 30 minutes before the meeting starts. Other people may wish to speak on the same application as you. If there is more than one objector or supporter you should agree who will speak before the meeting starts. If you cannot agree then the first person to have notified us will be the one permitted to speak. In the case of uncertainty the Chairman will decide.

If I am an applicant or agent can I speak at Committee?

An applicant or agent can only speak in response to an objector speaking. This objector can be either a Parish Councillor or a private individual, as explained above.

Where and when are the Committee meetings held?

Committee meetings are held in the Council Chamber at The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury. The Development Control and Environmental Protection Committee meetings start at 5.30pm and the Planning Committee starting times vary. Meetings are usually on a Tuesday though occasionally on other days. The agenda is published 5 days prior to the meeting. The applications on which members of the public have registered to speak will not normally be brought forward. If you require specific details regarding Planning Committee time splease telephone 281032.

What is the order of speaking on each item?

The Chairman will introduce the item and then if required the officers will update the items.

Members of the public will speak in the order:-

1. Objector then Parish Council (if objecting)
2. Supporter then Parish Council (if supporting)
3. Applicant/Agent but only in response to 1 above.

Speakers will have a maximum of 3 minutes to address the Committee and should not ask questions or attempt to discuss the application with members or other speakers.

Following public speaking the item will be debated by Councillors and Officers may offer further advice, followed normally by a decision.

What are the relevant issues in considering proposals?

The relevant issues vary with the nature of the proposal and the site but normally would include such issues as: -

• Structure and Local Plan / Development Plan Document Policies
• Government Guidance and Orders
• Case law and previous decisions
• Highway safety and traffic noise, disturbance and smell
• Design, appearance and layout
• Residential amenity, such as privacy and overlooking
• Effect on trees

What issues are irrelevant in reaching planning decisions?

Again they vary, but normally things like: -

• Matters covered by other laws
• Property rights, such as boundary or access disputes
• People's morals or motives
• Possible future development
• Loss of views
• Property values

Complaints about the way in which the application has been handled are not applicable to the planning issues of each application.

If you wish to follow the progress of an application you should telephone the Planning Officer dealing with the application.

The Committee reports are available for inspection 5 days prior to Committee and on the Development Control Committees Section of this website, then click on the relevant Committee date.

We have tried to make this system fair and easy to use. If you have any questions about public speaking please telephone Head of Development Control at The Guildhall on 01743 281303.

Do not forget that the laws of slander are very strict. If you say something in public about a person which is not true, even if you believe it to be true, you may be at risk of legal action. It should be noted that all Development Control and Planning Committee meetings are taped and hence you should think carefully about any criticisms you make about people in public speaking.