Issue - meetings

The Planning Committeeapproved the amended scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committee meetings as set out in Appendix A, as amended to replicate the existing arrangements, as follows:

(i)             In paragraph 4.1(d), by adding the words “…or another Councillor appointed by them” so that it says “Local District Councillor(s) or another Councillor appointed by them”; and

(ii)            By confirming paragraph 4.3 as stating “The same person is not allowed to address the committee in more than one of the speaker  categories.  Where speakers have competing interests, such as community objector and Parish Council representative, they should choose their dominant interest prior to registering to speak, and delegate the other role to another representative if need be.”

The Planning Committee considered a report on proposed revisions to the scheme for public speaking at its meetings to reflect the requirement to operate virtually.

Members considered several technical issues and potential benefits related to video conferencing.

Councillor Heather Williams highlighted an inconsistency between paragraph 6 of the report and paragraph 4.1(d) in Appendix A. She additionally sought clarification, with reference to paragraph 4.3.  The Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development acknowledged that there was a discrepancy between the wording in paragraph 4.1(d) and the current scheme, but indicated that the original wording could be reinstated if Members wished. He further advised that the wording of paragraph 4.3 was unchanged from the original scheme.

Councillor Heather Williams proposed that paragraph 4.1(d) of the proposed protocol for public speaking at meetings of the Planning Committee be amended so as to replicate the current scheme. This was seconded by Councillor Anna Bradnam  and carried by the Committee by affirmation.

The Planning Committee unanimously approved the amended scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committee meetings as set out in Appendix A, subject to amendment of paragraph 4.1(d), by adding the words “…or another Councillor appointed by them” so that it says “Local District Councillor(s) or another Councillor appointed by them”.