Purpose

The
government began an 8 week consultation on the 28 May on reforms to
Planning Committees in England. The consultation closes on the 23
July 2025. This report introduces the consultation and attaches a
suggested Draft response and comments to be submitted to the
consultation on behalf of TWBC.

Decision

RESOLVED
– That the current government
consultation on the Reform of Planning Committees be noted;
and that the responses/comments set out in
the table of TWBC officer comments presented in Appendix A
of this report, be submitted, on or before the consultation
deadline of the 23rd of July 2025, as Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC’s) representations to the
government’s consultation on the proposed Reform of Planning
Committees, with the Head of Planning being given delegated
authority to make corrections to grammar, formatting, typographical
errors, and other non-material changes that do not affect the
substance or intent of the consultation response, be
approved.
 

Reasons for the decision

To fulfil the Council’s
duties under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as
amended) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning)
(England) Regulations (2012) (as amended) as a local authority
consultee.
 

Alternative options considered

Do nothing and not make representations to the
government’s consultation on Reforms to Planning Committees
and consequently miss an opportunity to input and advise on an
important national planning matter.
 
Agree to submit an alternative representation
to that attached at Appendix A. This option would require
further discussion with officers and/or Councillors to inform the
response, which would likely mean the consultation deadline is not
met.