Decision details

Approve and publish an interim update to the Statement of Community Involvement

Reference: D52591

Decision Maker: Chief Planning Officer

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To approve and publish an interim update to the Statement of Community Involvement.

 

The interim updated Statement of Community Involvement sets out how the Council will consult and engage on planning matters including Local Development Documents, planning applications and Neighbourhood Plans. This interim version sets out how consultation will occur safely during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, in line with new Governmental regulations published in 2020.

Decision:

The Chief Planning Officer has:

a)  Approved the Interim Statement of Community Involvement;

b)  Agreed to publish the Interim Statement of Community Involvement on the Council’s website;

c)  Agreed to exempt the decision from Call-in as a result of the timescales under which the decision must be taken. (See paragraph 4.8 for further details).

 

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

If the decision has not been published in the List of Forthcoming Key Decisions for at least 28 clear days, the reason why it would be impracticable to delay the decision:: General Exception: Executive Board have approved consultation on main modifications to the Site Allocations Plan to begin on the week commencing 4th January 2021. If 28 days were allowed to elapse before the Interim Statement of Community Involvement was approved and published, that consultation would have to take place under the provisions of the currently adopted Statement of Community Involvement (2007). However, as a result of restrictions placed on the Authority by the Covid-19 pandemic, it would not be possible for that consultation to be in accordance with the currently adopted Statement of Community Involvement. As such there is a risk that the consultation and subsequent adoption of the Plan could be the subject of Legal Challenge.

If exempt from Call-In, the reason why Call-In would prejudice the interests of the Council or the public:: If the decision was subject to call-in the consultation on the main modifications to the Site Allocations Plan (week commencing 4th January 2021) would have to take place under the provisions of the currently adopted Statement of Community Involvement (2007). As a result of restrictions placed on the Authority by the Covid-19 pandemic, it would not be possible for that consultation to be in accordance with the currently adopted Statement of Community Involvement. As such there is a risk that the consultation and subsequent adoption of the Plan could be the subject of Legal Challenge.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

The Executive Member and members of Plans Panel Chairs have been consulted. There is no regulatory requirement for public consultation on a Statement of Community Involvement.

Consultees

The Executive Member and members of Plans Panel Chairs have been consulted. There is no regulatory requirement for public consultation on a Statement of Community Involvement.

Contact: Adam Harvatt, Planning Officer 0113 378 7637 Email: adam.harvatt@leeds.gov.uk.

Publication date: 18/12/2020

Date of decision: 05/01/2021

Accompanying Documents: