Right to Speak at Development Control Committee
On Monday, 18 July 2011 we changed the rules about
registering a Right to Speak at the Development Control
Committee. This applies to any application made valid on or
after 18 July 2011.
What is public speaking?
People can ask to speak at the Development Control Committee.
The right to speak procedure allows up to five people to address
the Committee on planning applications. Each speaker will be given
three minutes.
What can I speak about?
You can speak to the Committee on any planning application that
is being determined by them. Please note that you cannot speak in
support.
Who can speak at the Committee?
In order to register to speak, the City Council must have
received written representations from you on the planning
application as part of the consultation process. If you prefer you
may exercise your right to speak through representation by another
person (e.g. planning consultant or lawyer).
What issues can I cover in my three minutes?
Speaking at Committee gives you the opportunity to present
directly to the Committee the points you have made in your written
representations on a planning application. For the Committee to
give proper consideration to your views you must still ensure your
written representation covers all your points. You are not expected
to make new points when addressing the Committee.
Decisions on planning applications are limited by law to
specific issues known as ‘material considerations’. It is best that
you keep to these issues since anything else must be ignored. The
most important thing to keep in mind is that your comments must
relate to the use of land and should be directed to policies
contained within national or local planning documents.
Some of the most common issues include:
- location and setting
- traffic and impact on road networks
- design and appearance
- landscaping
- possible effects of pollution on land
- noise and disturbance
- effect on listed buildings and conservation areas
- hours of working.
Anything I shouldn’t cover?
The Committee cannot consider:
- boundary disputes, covenants or other property rights
- reduction in property values
- matters dealt with by other law (e.g. licensing)
- personal remarks about the applicant (e.g. their conduct,
private affairs or how a business is run).
Try not to repeat issues covered by previous speakers.
How do I register my interest in speaking?
You will need to contact either Karen Greig or Michelle Sowerby
who look after the Development Control Committee. Please e-mail
karengr@carlisle.gov.uk or
michelles@carlisle.gov.uk,
or phone (01228) 817112 or 817482 after the Committee schedule is
published (8 days before Committee) but no later than 12(noon) on
the last working day before Committee (Thursday).
You cannot register an interest ahead of the Committee schedule
being published.
When you ring please be prepared to give:
- your name, postal and/or e-mail address and daytime telephone
number
- the application number and proposed development to which it
refers
- whether you represent anyone else
- confirmation that you are prepared to have your details passed
onto other callers with similar views so that you can also speak on
their behalf
- details of any special access arrangements you may
require.
What if I am not one of the first to register?
We will be able to give you details of those who have registered
and they may be prepared to include your views in their
presentation.
How will I know when the item I am interested in is going to
Committee?
Details of the dates and agendas can be found on www.carlisle.gov.uk As
applications can attract thousands of letters, it is not possible
for us to alert you to Committee dates.
Not all planning applications are reported to the Development
Control Committee for a decision. The Assistant Director (Economic
Development) may decide some items under delegated powers. You
cannot address the Committee on delegated matters.
If you wish to know if or when an application is going to
Committee please check online at www.carlisle.gov.uk or contact
the case officer.
Can I make a visual presentation at the meeting?
Any person eligible to speak at Committee who wishes to make a
visual presentation must submit the presentation at least three
working days before Committee (usually the preceding Tuesday), so
that officers can check that there is nothing new that should be
considered by the Committee. This material should be sent to James
Scott, Planning Technician, 01228 817177, email: jamess@carlisle.gov.uk.
Can I speak on more than one occasion?
You may speak about more than one item on the agenda, providing
you have made written representations and register to do so in
respect of each item. If an application is deferred, you will be
given the opportunity to either speak then, or defer your right to
speak until the next meeting when the application will be heard.
You cannot speak more than once on the same application.
What will happen at Committee?
You should register your attendance with Karen Greig or Michelle
Sowerby by 9:45 a.m. They will note your attendance and answer any
questions. The usual start time for the Committee is 10.00 a.m. The
Chairman will invite you to speak for a maximum of three minutes at
the appropriate time. You cannot question members, officers or
other speakers, and they will not be able to question you. You are
welcome to remain and listen to the rest of the debate. If
possible, please bring a spare written copy of your speech to leave
for the Committee Clerk.
What if I am unable to turn up on the day?
You may nominate a substitute, but will need to give their
details to Karen or Michelle by 9.30 a.m. on the day of the
Committee.
Special provisions relating to tree preservation orders
Proposals for the making of tree preservation orders (TPOs)
often attract local interest in the particular area where the Order
is being considered. The Council’s Constitution delegates the
making of TPOs to the Assistant Director (Economic Development) and
Assistant Director (Governance) unless there are objections, in
which case it must be referred to the Development Control Committee
for confirmation. Where this arises, the Council allows members of
the public, who wish to speak in opposition to a TPO being made and
also anyone in favour of the Order, to be given the opportunity to
speak at the Committee.
Only TPOs with objections are referred to Committee. Supporters
of the TPO do have the right to speak at the Committee.
Arrangements for giving notice of wish to speak on a proposed TPO
are set out under “How do I register my interest in speaking?”
Information about dates of and papers for meetings of the
Development Control Committee are available on the Carlisle City
Council website at www.carlisle.gov.uk