The Strategic Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 20 May 2026 was set to discuss the establishment of a Planning Sub-Committee for the 2026/27 period. The meeting's report pack also outlined the committee's protocol and terms of reference, detailing how it would function and the types of planning applications it would consider.

Establishment of the Planning Sub-Committee

A key item on the agenda was the establishment of a Planning Sub-Committee for the 2026/27 year. The report pack indicated that this sub-committee would be responsible for determining complex or contested applications for planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent, planning agreements, permission in principle, technical details consents, and matters relating to highways and tree preservation. The sub-committee would operate under the Strategic Planning Committee, with the same members and chair.

Strategic Planning Committee Protocol and Terms of Reference

The meeting's report pack included details of the Strategic Planning Committee Protocol, which sets out the process by which the committee functions. This protocol is subject to regular review and is consistent with the Council's Constitution. The protocol outlines that the committee comprises 11 members and that its Chair also chairs the Planning Sub-Committee. It also details procedures for substitute members and a reserve list for the sub-committee.

The committee is tasked with making informal recommendations to the Cabinet and full Council on local development documents, development plan documents, and other planning policy matters. It also reviews all council plans and policies related to planning, providing an overview and making recommendations. Furthermore, the committee makes informal recommendations on service delivery, grant aid, commissioning, and procurement when these involve planning, conservation, or regulatory issues.

The terms of reference for the Planning Sub-Committee were also detailed. This sub-committee has the authority to determine specific types of planning applications, including those for 10 or more dwellings where the officer recommendation is for approval, or for changes of use of 1000 sq metres or more of gross internal floor space. It also covers applications for the erection or extension of non-residential buildings where the new build is 1000 sq metres or more, and major developments as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. The sub-committee also considers applications requiring a legal agreement, those contrary to the development plan, applications submitted by or on behalf of the Council, and applications on Council-owned land where significant objections are received. Applications submitted by council members or employees, or their close relatives, are also within its remit. Additionally, the sub-committee handles amendments to previously decided applications or variations to conditions or legal agreements if they constitute a major or significant change. Applications referred due to objections from a single councillor, a local community body, or a local residents' association, with a written request for referral based on planning reasons, would also be considered.

The Assistant Director or Head of Development Management is authorised to make alterations to recommended heads of terms and conditions after a sub-committee determination, following consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair of the sub-committee.