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The Planning Committee is a quasi-judicial body. This means that although the Committee can make their own decisions on Planning Applications (they are not accountable to Cabinet or Council), these decisions could be overturned at an appeal or, in extreme cases, a judicial review.
Where Planning Applications attract a petition (of 10 or more signatures), it is usual for the Chair of the Committee to invite the lead petitioner to speak at the meeting. The petitioner has up to five minutes in which to express their view. Members of the Committee may then ask questions of the petitioner. The same process also applies to the applicant, or their agent. Ward councillors may also exercise their right to speak for up to five minutes on an application affecting their ward. Members of the Planning Committee are not permitted to ask questions of the councillor.
Many residents choose to write individually to the Planning Department objecting to a Planning Application. Although taken into consideration by the Committee, these residents would not be invited to speak at a Planning Committee meeting.
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This page last updated: 20/05/2008