Agent and Developer Forums relaunched in East Lindsey
Agent and Developer Planning Forums have been relaunched in East Lindsey with over 50 people attending the first meeting.
East Lindsey District Council has reintroduced the Forums to provide a mechanism for communicating and sharing important information with Agents and Developers who submit regular planning applications to the District Council.
The first meeting was chaired by the District Council’s Business Manager for Planning, David Loveday, with a view to having a rotating chairperson at each meeting. The agenda for discussion included an update on the latest Government thinking in relation to planning, details of the Coastal Study, an update on progress with the Local Development Framework, and an opportunity to discuss how the District Council and Agents and Developers can better work together. A number of concerns were raised from both sides, but there was a clear overall willingness to try to get a better understanding all around.
David Loveday, explained: “This Forum isn’t about discussing individual planning applications but is intended to support developers and make it easier for them to understand our position and us theirs when we are considering the planning applications they’re submitting. If they actively participate in these meetings and they understand our viewpoints on certain issues it is likely to speed the planning process up for them and save them time and money.”
Andy Hey, a local Planning Agent was one of those to attend the Forum. Following the meeting, Andy said: “I always remember John Prescott saying planning should be an enabling function. I recall this when the Planners seem not to be enabling, but then I think there will be good reason why.
“The first Agent and Developer Forum let the Agents say what they though was wrong and the Planners let the Agents know that they are not really very good at submitting their application in a way that they can be easily validated. I think we both learned something at the first Forum and I think trying to understand one another's point of view is a very good idea and worth the effort. If we are all just a bit less hasty in shouting blame for delays in planning applications we might find we get on better. Worth a try I think.”
David, added: “I am delighted the first meeting attracted such a large number of people and it is clear there is a thirst for us to better communicate with our customers. The launch of the Forum is an important step forward in doing that.”
Those attending agreed the Forum should meet four times per year and that the District Council would arrange for a programme of meetings to be published on its website.
