Test Valley Borough Council: Concern over planning rules

Test Valley Borough Council is warning that the government’s new National Scheme of Delegation (NSD), which came into effect on Saturday, October 31, will reduce transparency and public involvement in the planning process by giving more decision-making power to planning officers rather than elected members.

The scheme changes how planning applications are determined across England, meaning that many proposals previously referred to planning committees could now be decided without public meetings.

Cllr Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: "As demonstrated at our recent council meeting, councillors from across Test Valley are deeply concerned and dissatisfied with the proposals required by government to implement the National Scheme of Delegations and its impact on the ability of councillors, at all levels of local government, to undertake their democratic duty to scrutinise planning proposals.

"These changes will significantly reduce the number of applications that can be considered by elected councillors in public committee meetings.

"Put simply, the government’s desire to centralise will denigrate democracy locally.

"We are, therefore, calling on government to look again at the regulations as a matter of urgency, and safeguard local democratic decision-making."

At a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 14, councillors agreed to formally raise their concerns with the Secretary of State, warning that the changes will undermine confidence in local democratic decision-making.

Cllr Phil Bundy, planning portfolio holder, said: "Our planning committees are made up of dedicated and well-trained councillors who take their responsibilities extremely seriously.

"Test Valley has a long history of decision-making that balances efficiency with appropriate public scrutiny.

"We believe there should remain greater flexibility and scope for councils to refer any applications of significant local interest to committee, including where they are contrary to the Neighbourhood Development Plans our communities have produced, or are now bringing forward."

Cllr Neil Gwynne, leader of the opposition, said the issue cuts across party lines.

He said: "This is an issue that affects communities across Test Valley, regardless of political views.

"Residents rightly want confidence that important planning decisions are being made openly and transparently.

"That is why councillors from across the chamber have come together to voice concerns about the harmful impact these changes could have on local decision-making and community involvement."