Bromsgrove District Council has put new support arrangements in place as nationally-mandated changes to planning decision-making come into force. The Government has introduced a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions, which councils must adopt by 31 October.

At its meeting on 14 October, the district council noted its dissatisfaction with aspects of the new arrangements, particularly the reduction in local flexibility over which applications can be considered by Planning Committee. Councillors recognised the legal duty to comply and agreed the necessary changes to the Council's constitution.

Council's concerns and response

Deputy Leader Sue Baxter, Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing, agreed to write to the Minister for Housing to set out the council's position on the changes.

Cllr Baxter said: "The Government has made significant changes to the national planning system, and it is no secret that many members of this council are disappointed by what we see as a dilution of local democratic involvement in some planning decisions. The council's duty remains to ensure that planning works fairly, effectively, and transparently, and that residents continue to be heard."

The council has put processes in place so residents can continue to draw on the representation and support of their local ward councillors, even where an application can no longer be considered by the Planning Committee under the new system.

How planning decisions will work

Under the new scheme, the Council's Planning Committee will continue to consider major and significant applications where they meet the criteria set out in the national framework. Many routine applications will continue to be decided by planning officers.

Council Leader Cllr Karen May said: "Planning expertise and democratic accountability must work together, and we have made our concerns about the democratic impact of the new regulations very clear. The rules may have changed nationally, but our commitment to listening to and representing our communities has not."

Review planned

The council will review the new arrangements after six months, giving councillors an opportunity to consider how they are working in practice, identify any issues, and provide feedback.

Papers from the 14 October meeting are available on the Council's agenda page for that date.