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This Code applies to Councillors at all times that they are involved in the planning process. This would include, where applicable, when part of decision making meetings of the Council in exercising the functions of the Planning Authority or when involved on less formal occasions, such as meetings with officers or the public and consultative meetings. It applies as equally to planning enforcement matters or site specific policy issues as it does to planning applications.

making comments to residents, interested parties, other Councillors or appropriate officers, provided they do not consist of or amount to prejudging the issue and the Councillor makes clear that they are keeping an open mind;

As the technical and propriety issues associated with planning are not straightforward, Councillors who sit on either the Development Committee or the Strategic Development Committee must participate in a programme of training on the planning system and related matters agreed by and organised by officers. The programme will consist of compulsory and discretionary elements. If a Councillor fails to participate in the compulsory elements of the training this may result in that Councillor being asked to stand down as a Councillor of relevant Committee.

Where a Councillor has a genuine difficulty in attending any particular training session officers will try, when practicable, to accommodate a request for an individual or repeat session.

Councillors may need to determine an application submitted by or made on behalf of a Councillor or an officer, or by a company or individual with which a Councillor or officer has an interest or relationship. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Councillor or an officer includes any former Councillors or officers. In such cases, it is vital to ensure that such application is handled in a way that gives no grounds for accusations or favouritism. Accordingly the matter will be dealt with as follows-

In respect of former Councillors or former officers the above requirements shall apply for a period of three (3) years following their departure from the Council.

inform the person making the approach that such approach should be made to officers within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate or to elected Councillors who are not Councillors of the either the Development Committee or Strategic Development Committee;

Where there is to be a presentation by applicants/ developers, Councillors should not attend unless it has been organised by an officer. If a Councillor does attend a presentation not organised by officers then the Councillor must inform the Director of Planning and Building Control that they have done so. The Councillor should keep an adequate written record of the presentation. This record should then be referred to the Director of Planning and Building Control to organise it so that it will be properly recorded on the application file and a record of the meeting will be disclosed when the application is considered by the Committee.

Further where briefing sessions (generally for major applications) have been arranged (by officers) for Councillors following submission of an application then Councillors should attend these sessions as it will give them an opportunity to better understand the Council’s planning policies and its economic objectives.

Site visits by Councillors determining schemes are an essential part of determining a planning application. It is good practice for Councillors to visit an application site before a meeting, so that they can familiarise with the site or surrounding area and Councillors should try to attend the pre-Committee site visits organised by officers. A site visit may also assist Councillors in matters relating to the context of the application and the characteristics of surrounding area. Whilst Councillors can make comments and ask appropriate questions during the site visit they should avoid expressing opinions which can cause the perception of bias or predetermination. Further Councillors shall not make a decision whilst on site. Councillors can, of course, rely upon their own local knowledge.