Issue - meetings

To approve the attached revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning).

RESOLVED

The revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.

The Chair referred to the recommendations of the Constitution Review Working Group regarding Section 8E Guidance for Planning.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Sanders, seconded by Councillor Swain that the revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.

Councillor Sanders advised that the amendment was in accordance with legal advice as best practice.

A second amendment was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Macgregor that the matter be referred back to the Review Group for consideration.

Councillor Sanders as Chair of the Planning Committee added that processes are vulnerable and the Council is open to challenge if ward members are able to speak at site inspections when they are not a member of the Committee.

The Managing Director reiterated the risk to the Council. Site inspections are an extension of the Planning Committee so those who are not a member of that committee should not be able to speak at site inspections.

The first amendment was put to the vote and carried by a majority vote.

The substantive motion was carried by 20 votes for 5 against and 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED

The revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.