Pre-Planning Protocol - DRAFT
25th July 2016
PRE-PLANNING PROTOCOL FOR SOUTH HYKEHAM PARISH COUNCILLORS
North Kesteven District Council are committed to early engagement with developers, and offer the opportunity for an open and constructive pre-application discussion with Councillors.
Developers are being encouraged, by the Government, to contact parish councils and the local community as part of the pre-planning application to assess local requirements and needs.
This Protocol provides a framework within which prospective developers may explain their development proposals to the members of the Parish Council on a ‘without prejudice’ basis, prior to the developer submitting a formal application to NKDC.
It must be understood this is an information gathering exercise for the developer to then go on and produce a full plan, so any drawings produced to encourage discussion are not formal plans but suggested proposals and can be amended
It is envisaged by the Government, that pre-application presentations will improve the planning process.
PROTOCOL AIMS
This Protocol aims to ensure an open and transparent process by
- Clearly outlining the arrangements in place and how presentations will be conducted.
- Ensuring there is a consistent approach
- Setting out actions and behaviours to be adhered to by all parties.
WHAT CAN BE PRESENTED?
Any development large or small can request pre-planning engagement.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR A PRESENTATION
Developers will be asked to give at least 28 days notice for a meeting with the parish council and forward copies of the presentation to the Clerk. The meeting can take place as an agenda item at a full council meeting or an extraordinary pre- planning meeting can be called. All councillors will be invited, the meetings are open to the public to attend and observe the presentation. However, it is not a meeting where decisions are taken and there is no public participation.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE MEETINGS?
All members of the council will receive details of the presentation from the Clerk in advance of the meeting. The chairman will introduce the developer and councillors, and explain the order and rules of the meeting as follows:
1. Presentation from the developer, taking 15mins to explain the proposal and thoughts behind it.
2. The Chairman to invite the councillors to ask questions and clarify issues that may have arisen from the presentation. A time period of 15 mins is set aside for this and may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman.
• No personal views should be expressed at this time.
• Councillors can put forward suggestions to the developer that would be seen as a benefit the parish, i.e. new play equipment, dwellings designed for the disabled, low cost housing etc.
But note, executing any of these will depend on the size of the development being proposed.
• If a pre planning design put forward has elements not required a simple comment stating that can be expressed. Remember these are only on the design by the developer to assess need.
3. The Chairman may wish to outline a consensus of the important issues – this may help the developer decide how they wish to proceed.
OUTCOME OF THE MEETING
Notes will be taken by the Clerk of the issues raised, and will subsequently be viewed and considered at a later date should a planning application be presented.
It must be remembered the local Planning Authority is being pressured by the Government to permit the building of more houses. Objections to development must be formed on very strong reasons acceptable within planning law. Attached is a list provided by NKDC on Material Planning Considerations in the Determination of Planning Applications