This decides the local planning applications lodged with the Council. The committee functions in a ‘quasi-judicial’ way and must apply the rules of natural justice and the provisions of the Human Rights Act with the strictest impartiality. Because of this, it is governed by special protocols, largely the Unitary Development Plan. The majority of planning applications are not controversial, and officers decide these.

Objectors to planning applications, and applicants where an application is objected to or recommended for refusal, may request to speak at the Local Development Committee.

If you wish to speak on an application you must contact Committees and Partnerships on 020 3373 1255 and ask to see the relevant report, which is issued five clear working days before the meeting. If you want to speak at the meeting you must give written notice by noon two days before the meeting. Speakers are usually allowed up to 5 minutes to speak, and the Committee may then ask questions. You should not lobby individual members of this committee as it could compromise their position and prevent them from taking part in the decision.

For further information please contact Shirley Fortune on 020 3373 1255.

You can now view and comment on new planning applications by using the new Public Access system installed on the Planning web page. All you need is the address or case reference number to use this system.  Or you can carry out a general search.

All new applications received from the 1st December 2005 can be found using this link.  You will be able to see drawings and other documentation relating to the planning application as well as the ability comment on the application on line.  If you want to check the progress of an application or to see which Planning Officer is dealing with a project, Public Access is a good place to start.  Once we have made a decision on an application you will be able to view the decision notice, committee report and S106 agreement.

We intend to start adding all our historical data over a period of time.  In 18 months we hope to have all the Council’s planning history dating back to 1947 available over the web using Public Access.

If you do use this system we would very much like to hear what you think of it.  Was it easy to use?  If you found a planning case you wanted to look at, was it easy to understand?  Were the images clear?  Please e-mail Karen Dennis or call her on 020 3373 36714 if you have any comments or suggestions or if you need help using Public Access.