The Role of Councillors in the Planning Process
District and County Councilors do not generally have a significant role in the determination of most planning applications. The majority of applications are determined under Delegated Authority. However, those applications which are proving controverisal or are of a significant scale, will usually be determined by the Planning Committee. Councillors who sit on the Planning Committee are usually trained in planning matters, and may well have sat on the committee for a number of years.
When an application is determined by the Planning Committee they are not bound to follow the recommendation of their Officers, provided that any resultant decision is well balanced and sound in planning terms. When an officer recommendation is overturned it may be necessary to go to appeal as any revised scheme is unlikely to meet with the support of the committee, unless of course they have indicated it may during their discussions.
Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy has extensive experience of Planning Committees, and the role of Councillors, and can advise clients on the best approach to securing consent, particularly if an adverse decision has been made by a Planning Committee. See our case studies page for details of an appeal won by Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy following a member overturn at Committee.