Assault on Democracy?

A member of a local residents group has brought the following to my attention:

The Highland Council, 'Governance Review Group', 14 October 2011

Agenda Item 4

Review of Committees, Sub Committees, etc – Update

There had been circulated Report No. GRG/2/11 dated 7October 2011 by the Assistant Chief Executive which detailed the further work which had been undertaken and included the information which had been previously requested by the Group at the last meeting.

During a summary of the report, and in relation to Delegated Powers, it was confirmed that potential changes to the Scheme of Delegation had been listed with the aim of reducing the number of planning applications being referred to the Planning Application Committees

Following discussion of the options for change to the existing Scheme, and specifically the grounds of referral, it was AGREED as follows:-

• Applications recommended for approval where there were objections from five or more separate addresses which could not be addressed by conditions – retention of the status quo;

• Applications recommended for approval where there were objections from statutory consultees, including Transport, Environmental and Community Services and Community Councils, which could not be addressed by conditions – need to continue to try to resolve consultee objections in the first instance and if this could not be achieved any referrals required to be based on material reasons only;

• Manager’s discretion – retention of the status quo;

• In the case of refusals, where a majority of Ward Members so requested (except where refusal was on the grounds of insufficient information) – retention of the status quo;

• Applications in which the Council had an interest – need to continue to lobby the Scottish Government for an urgent change in the need for non contentious applications which required Committee referral to ease administrative burdens, aid performance and prioritise staff resources – also to include reference for more clarification on whether video-conferencing could be used in future in relation to Licensing Board meetings;

• Applications made by an Elected Member or Senior Official – retention of the status quo but with more clarity as to the definition of ‘Senior Official’ in terms of the procedures to be followed; and

• Applications for local developments recommended for approval but which were significantly contrary to the development plan – retention of the status quo.

So what is this going to mean in practice?

Well, as the local group member sees it, ....the Appointed Officer acting under the new delegated powers can now take a decision whether or not a CC object and/or 5 or more objections have been made.

What do you think?