Scope of the code
3.1 This Code sets out the practices which Hartlepool Borough Council follows to ensure that its planning system is fair and impartial, and explains the conduct expected of both Officers and Elected Members on planning matters.
3.2 It applies to both Elected Members and Officers who are involved in operating the planning system - it is not, therefore restricted to professional town planners or to Elected Members in Committee meetings. The successful operation of the planning system relies on mutual trust and an understanding of each other’s roles. It also relies on each ensuring that they act in a way which is not only fair and impartial but is also clearly seen to be so.
3.3 Both Elected Members and Officers are guided by codes of conduct. The statutory Code of Conduct, supplemented by guidance from the DLUHC and others, provides standards and guidance for Elected Members. Officers who are Chartered Town Planners are guided by the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Code of Professional Conduct. Breaches of the Code may be subject to disciplinary action by the Institute. However, not all Planning Officers are members of the RTPI, and parts of the Code of Professional Conduct are incorporated into this Code. The Council also has a Code of Conduct for Employees, by which all employees are required to abide. In addition to these Codes, the Council’s Rules of Procedure govern the conduct of Council business.
3.4 Whilst this Code, and the others referred to above, attempt to be as clear as possible, if in doubt about how the guidance applies in particular circumstances seek advice. Officers should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer. Elected Members can also seek advice from the Planning and Development Manager or from a Solicitor within the Legal Services Division as appropriate.
3.5 Appendix 1 also contains a list of other guidance on planning which is available from the Council.
3.6 This guidance is mainly about planning applications, but also applies to the ways in which the Council handles all applications, planning enforcement matters and also how the Council prepares a Local Plan. References to applicants and objectors should therefore generally also be taken to refer to complainants and alleged contraveners in enforcement cases, and to landowners, developers and objectors involved in plan proposals. The guidance applies to planning matters on which a decision will be taken by the Council.