URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2107

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor John Cook-Woodman proposed the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Diogo Rodrigues.   Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Council Resolved to:- Request that the Executive consider the following actions as part of a recovery process: 1.    Publish a publicly available Planning Service Recovery Plan, that included, but was not limited to the following: ·       Measurable targets for backlog reduction and determination timescales. ·       Steps to restore pre-July 2025 levels of public and member engagement, including removal of the “single email point” restriction for councillors, and improved engagement with parish councils. ·       Measures to ensure decision quality, including site visits and appropriate use of planning conditions. ·       A plan to address the planning enforcement backlog and steps to fill vacant posts with permanent staff. 2.    Provide quarterly performance reports to all members for a 12-month period following the end of the emergency planning arrangements. 3.    Engage with parish councils and councillors, planning agents, and key stakeholders to review lessons learned and agree a “good practice charter” for the future operation of the planning service.

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025