|Home |  Text Only |  Bigger Text |  Smaller Text |  Default Text  

|A-Z |  Contact us |  News |  Events |  Jobs 

Search:

The Council currently consults local residents and commercial enterprises on planning applications by individual consultation letter, the placing of a notice on site and by advertising the application in the press. Any comments received are then taken into account in dealing with planning applications.

The Council decides many of the less contentious planning applications by a Delegation Panel comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, the Head of Land and Property and the Development Advice & Control Manager. The more complex proposals are referred to the Planning Committee which meets approximately every 4 weeks. The Council provides an opportunity for residents to speak on those applications determined by the Planning Committee.

Below is an explanation of the issues and procedures which you need to be aware of if you wish to speak to the Planning Committee.

Can I Speak to the Committee?

If you have written to the Council either supporting or opposing a planning application which is to be considered by the Planning Committee, and your comments have been received prior to the Agenda being published, then you will be invited by letter to speak. Only one person in support (a resident or the applicant/agent), and one person opposing the proposal will be able to speak. Where there is more than one person opposing or supporting the proposal it will be necessary for each group to appoint a single spokesperson.

If the application has been dealt with by way of Delegation then the opportunity does not arise.

What Can I Speak About?

The Council can only consider "material considerations" when deciding planning applications. Examples of these are planning policies in the Ashfield Local Plan Review (2002), government advice and policy, the impact on your residential amenity, highway safety and traffic, noise and disturbance, smell, design and external appearance, the impact on Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and trees etc. You should not make reference to non-planning issues such as private property rights, covenants, competition, moral issues, loss of view and property value, as these cannot be taken into account.

If you feel you need advice on what issues are relevant in deciding planning applications then please contact one of the Planning Officers in the Council's Development Advice & Control Section.

How Do I Arrange to Speak?

As an applicant or a resident who has written to the Council about an application you will be informed, in writing, if a particular application is to be considered at a Planning Committee. You will normally have about a week's notice of the Committee meeting. You will then need to register your wish to speak by telephoning 01623 457316 by 4pm on the Tuesday before the Thursday Committee.

Alternatively, you can e-mail your request to speakplanning@ashfield-dc.gov.uk. However, you must leave both a telephone number and your postal address.

If the "slot" has already been allocated then you will be referred to the allocated speaker to enable you to make a satisfactory arrangement.

Late requests to speak will not be considered.

Planning Committee meetings are usually held on a Thursday in the Council Chamber, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and start at 6.30pm. You should arrive by 6.15pm and confirm your intention to speak to the Committee Clerk who will be present. View a calendar of forthcoming meetings

How Long Will I be able to Speak For?

Each registered speaker will be allowed a maximum of 5 minutes and this will be carefully controlled by an Officer of the Council. If you take longer than 5 minutes then you will be asked to draw your comments to a close.

When Can I Speak?

Planning Applications are considered just after the meeting commences. Normally the Chairman will introduce each planning application and an officer will outline the proposal and advise the Committee of any late information. You will then be invited to address the Committee from the front of the Chamber. In cases where both an objector and the applicant wish to speak the Committee will listen to the speaker objecting to the proposal first followed by the applicant or agent.

You will be able to use A4 size transparencies if you wish but any other form of illustrative material is discouraged. You will not be able to hand out documents, illustrations etc at the meeting. Once representations have been made there will be no further opportunity to speak.

You will not be able to ask Councillors any questions or join in the debate after your presentation but you may be asked for clarification on the matters you raise. An objector cannot ask questions of the applicant and vice versa.

Please bear in mind if you refer to non-planning matters the Chairman may ask you to stop. Furthermore, it is always wise to choose your words carefully, and to avoid any reference to other people which could be defamatory.

If you require any information on speaking to the Planning Committee please contact Development Advice & Control.