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Listed below is a general overview of the Council delegation agreement for planning.
The Need for Delegation
Arrangements for making decisions on planning applications under delegated powers given to the Head of Planning have been in place since 1998. A significant proportion of applications are now decided by the Head of Planning. The advantages of such a system are:
It helps reduce the time needed to decide straightforward development control decisions which are consistent with Council policy.
- It leaves Committee Members more time to concentrate on major or controversial planning issues.
- It helps the Council to achieve a more flexible and responsive development control service, so that service targets can be met
Delegation does not change the publicity and consultation requirements affecting applications. Details of all planning applications are listed in the agenda available for inspection by the public and copies of all current applications are also available for inspection at Riverside House Main Reception (and at the Connections) during normal office hours.
Each application is publicised in accordance with the Councils approved publicity requirements, which involves the sending out of neighbour notification letters, the posting of notices on site, and/or placing a notice in the local press.
When is it not Delegated?
Any letters or consultation replies received about an application from a member of the public will be considered and will be crucial in deciding whether the application is referred for decision to the Planning Committee or whether the Head of Planning can determine the application as a delegated item. Committee consideration is required:-
- If five or more written objections are received (or letters of support, if the application is recommended for refusal), or if the relevant Parish/Town Council raises objection and the Head of Planning considers that permission should be granted, then the application will be referred to Planning Committee for a decision.
- A Councillor of Warwick District has required the application to be referred to Planning Committee for decision. In this way, the rights of Councillors are fully protected and delegated powers will not be used. A decision will not be taken under delegated powers on any application submitted by or on behalf of a Councillor or former Councillor or employee or former employee of the Council, or the spouse/partner of any such person.
- Delegated powers will not be used in respect of any applications submitted by Warwick District Council or Warwickshire County Council, except for approval of routine minor developments.
- All applications which are subject to a legal agreement under the Planning Acts and would be recommended as approval are excluded from delegated powers.
All delegated decisions must not constitute a material departure from any policy or proposal within the Development Plan, (i.e. the Warwickshire Structure Plan and the Warwick District Local Plan) or any approved Supplementary Planning Guidance in force at the time of the decision.
Powers delegated to the Head of Planning do not allow him to overrule objections received in writing from a Member of the Council, Parish or Town Council or from five or more neighbours, unless the application is to be refused in line with those representations
Public Viewing
Planning applications are now handled electronically, so all papers and comments previously put on the paper file are now scanned in and available to view on our website. You can view the electronic application files on our website in reception at Riverside House Main Reception during normal office hours.
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