Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider the latest progress report of the new approach to planning enforcement (as set out in the Planning Enforcement Statement 2021) and provide any comments to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Development Management.
(Nb: The link to the 2021 statement above is an appendix document for this item, also mentioned on page 25 of the agenda pack. It has not been included as an attachment, so please access it via the link.)
Minutes:
Cabinet Member for Planning and Development Management introduced the Planning Enforcement update report. The Enforcement Team Leader and Head of Planning were present to answer questions.
The report sought Scrutiny Committee’s comments on the progress made in the last year in reducing the on-hand enforcement case work to enable improvement in the performance of timely responses to investigations.
It was explained that there was continued improvement in the service. The addition of two members of staff, now permanent, had created consistency in the on-hand reduction.
The report was for the period of September 2022 – September 2023. The team reduced open cases from 229 to 161. There were external factor complications (such as Covid backlog where staff couldn’t site visit). In April, two new staff were employed, creating a consistent 6-week reduction figure as a result.
The team had not achieved the target of having decisions made on 80% of new cases within a 6-week period from the initial application, but they were heading in the right direction.
Comments were as follows:
Resolved:
Committee noted the report and congratulated the enforcement team on the report and on the ongoing improvements.
Comments to Cabinet:
1. Committee were conscious of the on-hand caseload, and they wanted to see a downward curve in cases still open.
2. Committee would like the enforcement team to challenge on KPIs, to reach beyond their current success.
3. Committee discussed biodiversity net gain and would like to see this highlighted in enforcement work.
4. Committee would like to see a communication on improvements to the service - to inform residents and improve public image of enforcement.
Supporting documents:
01235 422520
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Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon
OX14 3JE