Agenda item

Wesley McCarthy, Acting Planning Manager, outlined a report informing the Committee of the representations submitted to Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on the recent Technical Consultation on Planning. It was noted that the six week consultation ended on the 26^th September, 2014 and proposed major changes to the planning system intended to make the planning process easier and more streamlined.

It was highlighted that this was the third package of new permitted development rights which had been introduced by the Government with the desire to see a reduction in the number of developments requiring a full planning application.  The Officer discussed the specific changes to the regulations and advised that Slough BC had made representations in respect of Sections 2 and 3 as these changes would have an impact on the planning service and implications for Local Plan policies.  The Officer discussed the impact of these changes and highlighted that there should be a limit on the amount of floor space that could be changed from employment use to residential so that the Council could have some control over the reduction in business floor space.  Other impacts were discussed including the loss of fees and resources needed to deal with the increase in permitted development right notifications.

The Officer discussed the possible negative impact of allowing permanent permitted development rights for larger extensions to houses and related burden of administration and potential enforcement.  Members noted the increase in flexibility for High Street uses and the resulting need to delete  Saved Local Plan Policies on Primary and Secondary frontages. The changes to Mezzanine Floorsregulations, Maximum Car Parking Standards and changes of use to a betting shop or a pay day loan premises were highlighted.

The Committee noted the Section 3 changes that would improve the use of planning conditions at the decision-making stage, and delays in discharging conditions.  Members were advised that a further update report would be presented to the Committee if the proposed measures come into force.

Resolved-  That the representations submitted to Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on the recent Technical Consultation on Planning be noted.