Terms of reference for the

Planning Applications (WS&P/PA) Committee

1. The Committee to consist of Ward Planning Representatives, appointed at a meeting of the Council, and the Chairman of the Council. To consider planning applications referred by Ward Planning Representatives, for any reason, including the following:

• Applications that contravene planning guidance, planning policy, District Plans, Structure Plans and Regional Policy.
• Applications involving Parish Council sites and buildings.
• Development that would effect the street scene by being too bulky, too high, take light away from neighbouring property, imposing, inappropriate building materials, too much/not enough parking and those that overlooking adjoining properties to an unacceptable level.
• Create traffic movement problems.
• Large developments such as blocks of flats, retail, office and industry.
• Mobile telephone masts.
• Controversial applications and those where a large number of objections are submitted.
• Change of use to provide bookmakers, estate agents, homes into offices, fish and chip shops and those resulting in less retail outlets.
• Removing and cutting back trees, shrubs and hedges unnecessarily.
• Applications where it is considered the Council should consult appropriate residents.
• Applications where the Ward Representative has an interest and therefore should not be involved in the decision making process.

2. The Committee to consider and judge whether such applications should be referred to the Works, Service and Planning Committee or a meeting of the Council. Regard will have to be taken of the dates comments are required, in accordance with legislative requirements, and therefore this may not always be possible; in such cases to report the action taken to the Works, Services and Planning Committee.

3. Ward Planning Representatives have delegated powers to deal with planning applications. They are charged to consult other Ward Members and other Members of the Council as they see fit.