Decision

The Chair of Development Management then MOVED and Councillor Carson SECONDED that Council:

(a) Approve the suggested amendments to Part 3b of the Constitution (Terms of Reference – Development Management Committee) as set out in Appendix I, to take effect from 31st October 2026, as required by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026;

(b) Approve the proposed amendments to the Development Management Protocol to reflect the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, as set out in Appendix II, also to take effect from 31st October 2026; and

(c) In line with the requirements of the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Order 2000, delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair of the Development Management Committee to make the associated amendments required (Council functions) to the Schedule of Delegated Powers and Scheme of Delegation, reflective of the changes proposed in (a) and (b) and further note that any amendments required to the scheme in respect of executive functions will be delegated to the Leader of the Council, following recommendation from the Monitoring Officer, as outlined in the articles (6.9 and 13.1).

Councillor Brazil then MOVED and Councillor N Stevens SECONDED that the motion be amended to include (d) as outlined below.

(d) That a letter be sent to Government expressing dismay at the proposals of the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. This Council believes this is an afront to local democracy and removes the local knowledge and expertise of elected members. Whilst the Council acknowledges it has little choice in this matter, it does so with a heavy heart and does not believe it will achieve the aims intended.

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Development Management Committee accepted the amendment as proposed.

Councillor McGeough then MOVED and Councillor Rogers SECONDED that there be a roll call vote.

The motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED

Recommendations (a) to (c) were then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Recommendation (d) was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.