POS MEETING 4TH OCTOBER 2013
MACCLESFIELD
1. Intro and apologies – Apologies from Bob Bennett and others attached.
2. Society Business and notes of last meeting – notes agreed and Consultation requests
referred to (see attached) and any comments on these should be directed to
Stephen.hill@hca.gsi.gov.uk Paul Watson referred to Housing Standards Review and any
comments to above or direct to Paul ahead of 21st Oct. Paul also referred to UWE research
into role of PINS and future of enforcement and anyone wishing to partake in research
should also contact Paul direct.
3. Welcome from Cheshire East (Adrian Fisher and Steve Irvine) presentation attached on
background to Cheshire East and current planning issues facing the District, particularly in
terms of development pressures and preparation of Local Plan. Noticeable impact of 5 year
land supply requirement on appeal numbers.
4. Planning Law Update – Paul Tucker, Kings Chambers (presentation attached). Para 47 and 5
year land supply in particular highlighted as a current key issue at Inquiries.
Discussion relating to the fact that you can’t (in law terms) promote an SPD for an area of
change when a DPD should be used and if not related to Local Plan policy.
5. Steve Quartermain – (presentation attached). Current focus on what is referred to as ‘the
developers journey’ to assess what gets in the way of making development happen quicker.
Red tape review is part of that, information requirements, DAS requirements, PD rights,
appeals process etc. Evidence pointing towards decision making now being faster.
Beta guidance deadline extended to 14th Oct and current site represents only 2/3 of
guidance with more to follow.
Appetite for reform at Govt level remains in place and Ministers looking to make further
announcements about planning system in Autumn Statement.
Steve Q very keen to build evidence to demonstrate impact of planning to counter some of
the perceptions that still slowing development and potentially harmful. 90 authorities still
don’t have an up to date plan and CLG focussing resources to assist plan making process
directly with authorities that are behind, as well as resources/assistance to promote
Neighbourhood Planning process.
Discussion, particularly around how we can promote good practice – Feeling that much of
the reviews to date have been piecemeal and not always thoroughly thought through,
particularly around pd rights. Caution highlighted about focussing on certain elements of
evidence that seem to overly highlight any negatives in the system.
Issue of impact of cuts on LPA’s highlighted and the ability of planners to deliver. Politically
instability, at a local level is also a negative impact on delivering a quality service.
POS need to consider how to promote good practice and request from Mike Kiely (President)
for DM to gather evidence on good practice and also any particular issues raised as result of
Pd changes and impacts they’re having on LPA’s/planning system.
6. Planning Portal Update (Allen Camm and Scott Alford, presentation attached) – Attention
drawn to current Portal survey and call for authorities to take part. Should be noted that
Portal soon to be commercialised and will not be part of govt, but portal services will remain
free (under new contract) for at least 2 years.
7. AOB – Attention drawn to mobile app for POS and feedback welcomed.
8. Date of Next Meeting – Tower Hamlets Friday 24th January 2014