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You have the right to speak at the Council's Development Committee meetings
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Who can speak at the meetings?
Anybody, who wishes to object to, or support an application, can do so.
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What items can I speak on?
Only on applications for planning permission, and similar applications, e.g. those for Listed building consent, which form the Schedule of Applications for Determination. The Council does not permit the public to speak on enforcement matters or other items not on the schedule of applications. Speak can only take place the Council's Development Committee.
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How can I find out when an application will be considered?
Telephone the office to find out the date when the application is likely to be considered. If possible confirm by either checking our web site or telephoning the office five working days before the Committee meeting in question. An application is not normally reported to Committee within four weeks of its receipt. More complex and contentious applications often don't reach Committee for several months. Applications are sometimes advanced or delayed as information becomes available and if you are interested, as an objector for instance, in speaking, it is important that you keep in contact with us to find out the likely date of consideration. The Development Committee meets on Wednesdays on a four weekly cycle. All meetings are held in Hadleigh and start at 9.30 am. Click here for Committee Dates (PDF, 15kb). Please note that the Committee considers only about 20% of the planning applications we receive; the rest are decided by the Head of Planning (Control) under his delegated powers. However, these do not usually include any applications on which there has been any significant divergence of views expressed. So, for instance, if the officers consider an application should be granted permission but an objection has been received, then that application would normally be referred to Committee.
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Do I need to attend the meeting to make my views known to the Committee?
No, and you may not wish to if the officers' recommendation is the same as your view. In any event, if you put your views in writing, we will report them to Committee before a decision is made. Please note that we summarise the points made in letters, and do not report them in full; we do not circulate letters received to Members.
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Can I use photographs or other materials to illustrate my point?
No, as this will tend to disrupt proceedings, and you will not be allowed to circulate material at the same time as you speak. We are unable to accept any written or illustrative materials for display at the meeting or for circulation to Committee members.
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How do I arrange to speak at the meeting?
Simply be there at the start of the meeting and raise your hand when the Chairman asks if anyone wishes to speak on the application about to be considered. There is no need to "book" your slot in advance. Before the meeting starts an officer will speak to the members of the public present and ask them which applications they are interested in. It is our usual practice to consider these at the start of the schedule, to avoid people waiting a long time. Please be there a few minutes before 9.30 are to make this part of the meeting run smoothly.
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What will happen when my item is considered?
The following order will apply: The Planning officer makes his or her report, adding to, updating and illustrating the written report already circulated to Committee members; A Parish Council representative can speak - for up to 3 minutes; An objector is allowed to speak - please note we can only allow one object to speak - for up to 3 minutes - we advise you, if several people are interested, that you should agree, before the meeting, that one person will speak for everyone. If that does not happen (or you cannot agree) then we will not be able to let you speak; The application (or a representative) can speak - also for up to 3 minutes; The Councillors who make up the Committee debate the matter (and may request further information of the planning officer) before coming to a decision.
Please note: You will be asked to stop speaking if you exceed the time allowed. Speakers will not be permitted to ask questions. Committee members will not be permitted to ask questions of those speaking. Those speaking will be asked to leave the public areas and occupy a seat especially set aside, before starting to speak. They will also be asked to say whom they represent. The consideration of an application will not be delayed simply because someone who wishes to speak is unable to attend the meeting.
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What can I say at the meeting?
You can say whatever you like provided it is statements of fact or opinion, but your words are likely to have the greatest impact if you: are brief and to the point, limit your views to the planning application, confine yourself to relevant planning issues.
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Examples of relevant planning issues:
- Planning policy, e.g. the local and structure plans, other local planning policy, Government guidance, case law, previous decisions of the Council.
- Design, appearance and layout.
- Impact on visual or residential amenity, including possible loss of light or overshadowing, loss of privacy, noise disturbance, or smell or nuisance.
- Impact on trees, Listed buildings or a conservation area.
- Highway safety and traffic.
Try to avoid:
- Private property rights - boundary or access disputes, restrictive covenants, rights of way, and ancient rights to light.
- Effect on property values.
- Loss of a private view.
- Personality, or a developer's motives.
- Matters covered by other legislation.
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Will a decision by made at the meeting?
Most applications considered by Committee are decided at the first Committee meeting. However, some could be: deferred for a site inspection by a Panel of Members, or, deferred for more information to be obtained or for negotiations to take place. In both cases, the application will be considered by a later meeting of the Committee and you will be entitled to speak at that second Committee meeting.
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