PRE-APPLICATION DISCUSSIONS
The term pre–application discussions includes any discussions which take place before a decision is taken on an application. 5.2 Pre–application discussions are encouraged by the Council, but to avoid them becoming or being seen to become part of the lobbying process they will be conducted within the following guidelines:
The discussions will normally take place at officer level
The term pre–application discussions includes any discussions which take place before a decision is taken on an application. 5.2 Pre–application discussions are encouraged by the Council, but to avoid them becoming or being seen to become part of the lobbying process they will be conducted within the following guidelines:
The discussions will normally take place at officer level
- All officers taking part will make clear whether or not they are the decision maker for the purposes of the application under discussion
- It will be made clear at the beginning of each discussion that only personal & provisional views can be expressed & that they will not bind the Council to reach a particular decision or compromise it’s position in any way in determining the application or proposed application the subject of the discussion
- Views will be expressed in the context of the development plan & other material considerations & applicants & proposed applicants can expect consistency of interpretation by planning officers of the planning policies
- A written record will be made of the discussion, kept on the file & made available for public inspection at the appropriate time
