Decision

The Licensing and Planning Policy Committee has decided to approve the draft response to the government's consultation on reforming Planning Committees.

Analysis

outcome: The Licensing and Planning Policy Committee unanimously approved the draft response to the consultation.

summary: The government has launched a consultation on the reform of Planning Committees, seeking views on introducing a national scheme of delegation, rules on committee size and composition, and mandatory training for members.

topline: The Licensing and Planning Policy Committee has decided to approve the draft response to the government's consultation on reforming Planning Committees.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves potential changes to the structure and processes of Planning Committees, which could impact local decision-making and community involvement.

affected_stakeholders: ["Government", "Planning Committees", "Local Communities"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1436

Decision Maker: Licensing and Planning Policy Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The government has launched a consultation on the reform of Planning Committees, which opened for comments on 28th May 2025. The key areas the consultation is seeking views on are: ·         introducing a national scheme of delegation so there is greater consistency and certainty about which decisions go to committee; ·         introducing rules regarding the size and composition of planning committees; and ·         introducing a requirement for mandatory training for all planning committee members so they are more informed about key planning principles. The Committee received a report  setting out the Council’s draft consultation response for their approval. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to: (1)      Note the contents of the consultation (2)      Approve the draft response (Appendix 1) or; (3)      Agree amendments and nominate and authorise the Head of Place Development, in consultation with the Chair of this Committee, to finalise and submit the response    

Date of Decision: July 3, 2025