The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the consultation document entitled “Planning Reform:  Supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes,” published for consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) at the end of October 2018, with a consultation end date of 14 January 2019. 

The report explained that the document covered a number of issues including proposed changes to permitted development rights and use classes, in particular proposed new permitted development rights to extend upwards.  The report outlined the main changes proposed and set out initial officer views on these proposed changes, but explained that officers were working on draft responses to relevant sections of the consultation questions and recommended delegating authority for the final representations to be agreed and sent by the consultation deadline. 

Resolved –   

(1)      That the publication of the Planning Reform consultation Document by MHCLG in October 2018 be noted;

(2)      That the initial officer commentary on the proposed changes to permitted development rights and use classes be endorsed;

(3)      That the Head of Planning, Development & Regulatory Services be authorised to agree final representations on the consultation in consultation with the Chair of Planning Applications Committee and the Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport.