Issue details

a)    Currently several areas of work across Planning do not achieve cost recovery.

b)    Previously agreed process to fund Neighbourhood Planning work has not been successful.

c)    Action is needed to address these matters in part to deliver on the proposals set out in Planning MER 476.

a)    To update fees and charges on a cost-recovery basis, and subsequently increase these annually to reflect inflation for:

• The Planning pre-application service carried out by Development Management.
• Charges within the Building Control Service.
• The Planning Searches function undertaken by the Administrative HUB.

b)    To update funding arrangements in order to support a full-time post dedicated to the development of Neighbourhood Plans.

Fees and charges related to the above activities have not been reviewed for some time and can mean that the service costs more to deliver than is received in fees.

Previously agreed mechanisms for funding Neighbourhood Planning work have not allowed for a dedicated resource to be put in place. An alternative approach is needed to bring greater continuity to the role.