Planning Meetings
Development Control Committee Meetings start at 2.00 pm on the following dates, at Priory House, Chicksands:
- 15th August 2007;
- 12th September 2007;
- 10th October 2007;
- 14th November 2007;
- 12th December 2007;
- 16th January 2008;
- 20th February 2008;
- 12th March 2008;
- 9th April 2008; and
- 7th May 2008.
Speaking at Development Control Committee Meetings - Have YOUR Say!
Members of the public can speak at the Council's development control meetings on planning applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning legislation.
The purpose of this scheme is to allow you to make your views known to the Committee in person. Letters of support or objection will of course continue to be taken into account.
The opportunity to speak is available to applicants, objectors, agents, supporters and Town and Parish Councils/ Parish Meetings. The scheme only applies to applications which are submitted to the Committee and not to applications dealt with under the Director of Environmental & Planning Services' delegated powers.
Questions and Answers
How do I find out that a planning application has been made?
When a planning application is made we normally contact any neighbour actually adjoining the site of the application. You will have to visit the Citizone PoPs during office hours to see the application itself. We also write to anyone else who may be directly affected by the application. In certain circumstances a site notice is put up to notify anyone in the area who might have an interest.
In addition Town and Parish Councils/Parish Meetings are notified of all applications in their area and invited to comment on them, which they do regularly.
We also have a list of over 50 organisations we regularly refer applications to for their comments (eg. County Council, English Heritage, Countryside Commission).
A list of New Planning Applications is posted weekly here
Who can speak?
Applicants or their agents, objectors, supporters and representatives of Town and Parish Councils/Parish Meetings who have commented in writing on applications for planning permission are all able to speak at Development Control Committee.
What planning applications can I speak on?
You can speak on any application to Mid Beds District Council which is on the Agenda.
What must I do to arrange to speak at the meeting?
If you want to speak you will need to contact the Customer Services Team on 08452 30 40 40 by no later than 10 am on the day of the meeting.
Applications will usually be considered in the order in which they appear on the agenda. It is not possible to say exactly at what time an application will be heard during a meeting.
When do I speak?
The application will be introduced, then the following groups of speakers will be invited to address the Committee:
- Town or Parish Councils/Parish Meetings;
- Objectors/representatives; and
- Applicants or their agent/supporter(s)
There will be an opportunity for debate by the Committee, where further information may be sought from the Planning Officer.
The Committee will usually vote on the matter. However the application may be deferred until the next meeting for further information, negotiations or a site visit, either before or after public speaking. If this happens you will have the ability to put your views again.
How long can I speak for?
A maximum of three minutes is available for each group of speakers i.e.
- Town or Parish Councils/Parish Meetings;
- Objectors/representatives; and
- Applicants or their agent/supporter(s)
This time limit will be strictly adhered to. The Council strongly encourages speakers to get together and make a joint case, appointing a representative to speak on their behalf. If no spokesperson is appointed, speakers will be heard in the order that requests have been received until the three minutes have been used up.
How can I best use my time when speaking to the Committee?
It will help your case if you limit your views to relevant planning issues. Examples might be:
- The suitability of the site for this particular development;
- The design, appearance and layout of the proposal;
- Any loss of light or overshadowing;
- Highway safety and traffic issues;
- Effect on residential amenity;
- Noise, disturbance and smell problems; and
- Planning policy and Government guidance
You should try to avoid reference to matters which are not relevant in reaching planning decisions, such as:
- Matters covered by other laws (eg. alcohol licencing);
- Private property rights (eg boundary or access disputes);
- Personal remarks (eg the applicant's motives);
- Effect on the value of property;
- Possible future development; and
- Loss of view over other people's land.
For More Information
If you would like to know more about public participation, please contact the Customer Services Team on 08452 30 40 40, or write to:
Mid Beds District Council
Priory House, Monks Walk
Chicksands
Beds SG17 5TQ
