Planning Committee

Planning Committee - How Decisions Are Made

The Planning Committee is responsible for deciding planning applications that cannot be determined by Council officers. While many straightforward applications; such as house extensions, can be approved by officers, more complex or controversial proposals are referred to the Committee.

This includes applications where:

  • there are more than two objections
  • the development is potentially controversial
  • the proposal raises significant planning issues

Who Sits on the Committee?

The Committee is made up of Councillors from all political parties. It is a formal meeting of the Council and follows legal procedures. Council officers attend each meeting to provide professional planning advice.

Speaking at Planning Committee

If you have an interest in an application being considered, you may have the opportunity to speak at the meeting. This includes:

  • applicants or supporters
  • objectors
  • community representatives

To help you prepare, please read our guide:

A Guide to Speaking at Planning Committee