This section explains the way in which applicants, their agents or members of the public can attend the Council's Planning Committee and speak for a limited time on any planning proposal in which they have an interest. Please read the following text carefully as it explains in detail the Committee function and the procedures and restrictions that apply to public speaking.
Delegated Powers - Not all applications are decided by the Planning Committee - a considerable number of non-controversial applications are dealt with directly by the case officers under powers delegated to them by the Planning Committee. In these cases interested parties can submit their comments in writing but there is no opportunity to speak before Committee when delegated decisions are made.
Background Information
Consultation takes place on all planning applications processed by the Council. This includes consultation with statutory organisations, interested groups, neighbouring residents and the general public depending on the development proposed. All written comments we receive in respect of applications are taken into account before decisions are made on the applications. Any objections from the general public that are received in time are attached in full to the agenda items that are reported to Committee.
Late correspondence will be presented to the committee members on the day of the meeting. However, please be advised that late information or further comments may not be accepted by the chairman if it is felt there is not sufficient time for committee members to consider them.
People making an objection to a planning application may feel that being able to address the Planning Committee direct may give views greater weight, allow them to present their views more clearly or raise issues that have arisen since their written objections were submitted.
Likewise, developers may wish to address the Planning Committee to respond to comments made by objectors, promote the benefits of their scheme or respond to the recommended reasons to refuse permission.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee normally meets every four weeks on a Wednesday at 9.30am in Grimsby Town Hall and considers all planning applications that have not been determined under delegated powers. A copy of the scheme of delegation is available from the Planning Department.
We prepare an agenda for the Planning Committee so that it is available for public inspection at least 5 full days in advance of the Committee - normally the Wednesday of the previous week. Planning agendas and minutes can be viewed on the Councillors, Democracy and Elections website.
The Planning Committee would normally make one of the following decisions on applications placed before them:
- approved with or without conditions or the requirements to enter into Section 106 Agreements;
- refused;
- referred to the Secretary of State with a recommendation to approve;
- deferred for a Site Visit;
- deferred for negotiations;
- deferred for further information
If Members are given as much information as practicable It will help them to make an informed judgements on the proposed development. Allowing people to address the Planning Committee is intended to aid this process and to ensure that the Council's procedures comply with Human Rights Legislation and the principles of Best Value.