Pre-application briefing to planning committee

The Planning Protocol introduced pre-application briefing meetings to the planning committee. These are scheduled to consider pre-application presentations to the Planning Sub Committee and discussion of proposals.

The briefing meetings are generally intended to discuss the larger major applications. No decisions will be taken at the meetings and any subsequent applications will be the subject of a report to a future meeting of the sub committee, following standard procedures.

There is also provision in the protocol for applications submitted to be presented at briefing meetings in exceptional circumstances.

Each meeting will have the following format:

• officers to introduce the proposal – 5 minutes
• presentation by the developer – 15 minutes
• Members’ questions and discussion – 15 minutes
• Members’ comments
• summary of the comments raised

A short note of the meeting summarising Members’ comments will be made.

While pre-application briefing meetings are open to members of the public, there are no public speaking rights.