Main Purpose of Role
In addition to the duties and responsibilities expected to be undertaken by all members, to ensure the effective discharge of the functions assigned to the Planning Committee, ensuring that the provisions of the Council’s Procedural Guidance on Planning and Licensing Committees (Part 5, Section L of this Constitution) are complied with.
Duties and Responsibilities
To Chair and manage the business of the
committee in a fair, impartial open and efficient manner ensuring
effective engagement by all members.
To provide leadership and direction for
it.
To determine priorities in the light of the
volume of work presented to the committee.
To facilitate the participation in the
committee by the public and any others in accordance with any
scheme agreed from time to time.
To ensure that the committee takes balanced
decisions based on all relevant evidence, always with impartiality
and fairness.
To ensure that committee decisions are
recorded with full justifications.
To promote actively national and local codes
of good practice in relation to planning matters.
To maintain effective working relationships
and links with the Vice-Chairman, other members of the committee
and relevant officers.
To develop a thorough understanding
of:
· the process, relevant policies and other material considerations as they relate to the Council’s planning activities.
· the legal and probity framework relating to planning and development control.
· local and national initiatives or developments which are likely to impact on the Council as Planning Authority.
Conventions / Protocols
Every member who serves on the committee will undertake to abide by the Procedural Guidance for Members and Officers in Planning and Licensing (Part 5, Section L of this Constitution).
No member may serve on regulatory committees unless and until they have undertaken suitable training.
Accountability
The tasks and duties outlined in this role description relate to the political or member level activities of the District Council. Accountability for members’ performance is ultimately through the political and electoral process but will also be subject to any member personal development arrangements agreed by the Council.