Constitutional changes to planning arrangements to help residents get involved in decisions
Changes to the planning process to encourage the active involvement of local residents and businesses in decision making have been approved by Kingston Council.
A number of changes will be introduced to simplify the constitution and provide greater clarity for residents and customers on the process in the borough, and enable people to get involved in decisions that affect their local area.
Following a review surrounding the determination of planning applications, the proposed changes were approved at Council on Thursday 29 April 2021 and include:
- New terms of reference for all planning committees - Responsibility for Functions
- New comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting Procedures Rules
- Planning protocol expanded and updated to include the latest LGA 2019 guidance Probity in planning: Advice for councillors and officers making planning decisions
- Development Control Committee to be renamed as Planning Committee
Prior to approval the proposals were considered by each Neighbourhood Committee and the Development Control Committee during January 2021. Further amendments were made based on feedback received.
Naz Hussain, Executive Director of Place at Kingston Council:
“These changes will enable us to further improve the planning process by making it as simple and straightforward as possible for the public.
“We hope that through simplifying the procedures in place, that we can further encourage the active involvement of local residents and businesses in council decision-making.
Read more and view the report in full on our website.