Decision details

23.1     The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Director (Highways, Transport and Planning) on changes to the Section P (Planning) of Part 3 (Scheme of Delegation) of the Constitution to take account of changes to legislation and other factual matters, and to better reflect current practice relating to the operation of statutory land-use planning functions (copy appended to the signed minutes).

23.2     In response to a query the Head of Planning Services confirmed that the changes to section 82 will not result in any alterations to the types of application considered by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee. The changes are aimed at reducing the need for further updates when legislation changes and will also prevent matters having to go to the Committee when they are clearly contrary to the Development Plan.

23.3     Cllr Bradbury commented, as Chairman of the High Weald Natural Landscape, and asked whether the term ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ could still be used as it remains in the legislation and the term with which the public are familiar.

23.4     The Executive Director of Law, Assurance and Insight advised that the terms are interchangeable. He said that it is appropriate constitutionally to refer to National Landscapes but that the term ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ can also be added.

23.5     The Head of Planning Services suggested that ‘(formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Beauty)’ should be added after ‘Natural Landscapes’ and this was agreed.

23.6     Resolved - That the proposed changes to Section P (Planning) of Part 3 (Scheme of Delegation) of the Constitution, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report but with the addition in minute 23.5 above, be approved.