URL: https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5448

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which asked the Cabinet to consider the Draft Validation Checklist for planning applications submitted to the Council and to approve it for public consultation.   The Cabinet was advised that officers, having reviewed the existing Validation Checklist, given its age (it was last updated in 2011) and the recent changes in legislation, national policy and local planning policy, there was a need to update the Checklist.  The proposed revised Validation Checklist is attached at Appendix 1, to the submitted report.   The submitted report was therefore seeking approval to publicly consult on the revised Validation Checklist.  The consultation would be an open consultation on the council’s consultation platform, with any member of the public or interested party able to comment.  A specific invitation to comment via the consultation will be sent out to planning agents and consultants who regularly use our Planning Service, given they are most affected by the Validation Checklist.   Options/alternatives considered: Option 1  - To approve the public consultation on the revised Validation Checklist. There were no disadvantages to this preferred option, as it was considered positive to review the Validation Checklist regularly and consult on the revisions. Conversely, the advantages were considered significant, to facilitate the efficient validation of planning applications, and ensure that appropriate information is submitted with an application so that their determination is not delayed. Option 2 – To do Nothing, and continue to use the March 2011 Validation Checklist. This option brought no benefits and would continue to create delays in the processing of applications, both at validation stage and in determining planning applications caused by the fact that the authority does not receive the necessary information with an application when it is first submitted. Option 1 was the preferred Option.   Resolved: 1.    That the Draft Validation Checklist be approved for public consultation. 2.    That authority to agree amendments to the Validation Checklist to take onboard comments from the public consultation and to then adopt the Validation Checklist be delegated to the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025