| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Facts | |
| Posted by: | Adam Beamish | |
| Date/Time: | 12/06/11 21:16:00 |
| David's points about officer workload relating to committee reports etc. is a valid point, particularly as usually the Officer reports have to be drafted around 3 weeks prior to the actual committee. At the same time, Officers should always write 'proper' reports, regardless of whether the decision is made at delegated or committee level, and such reports usually form the basis of any subsequent appeal statement. In respect of vacant offices, it's important to point out that the Government is current reviewing the relevant legislation (the Use Classes Order) to make it easier to convert vacant office space into residential units. The findings of the review are expected to be publicised in December. Plus, the existing S106 set-up will be/is being replaced by what's known as the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is essentially intended to secure funding for the infrastructure needed for a development to go ahead, which in theory will lead to local growth/regeneration etc. In a way, I am concerned about the removal of the Area Planning Committees from a professional career development perspective, because I think both writing committee reports and then presenting them to committees plays a big part in the career development of planners - their ability to present their professional case both in writing in orally, which is a vital skill when it comes to handling appeals etc. And, there is a fairly substantial number of Council Planners whom I come across these days who are not good communicators, which is really an essential part of the job. Phil's comments about his experiences dealing with LBH Officers when the local coalition were in power have often surprised me, because I left LBH in August 2006, so wasn't there much after the 2006 elections, but certainly over the previous 5 years I was there I never personally witnessed any noticeable lack of co-operation between Members (of any party) and Officers, and thinking of the senior individuals within the Planning Dept (who have remained present from me joining LBH to the present day) I am surprised if they would have any particular 'favouritism' towards any political party or any particular lack of co-operation towards others. But, like I say, I wasn't there long after the 2006 elections, whereas Phil obviously was in the thick of it, as it were. |