Statement outlining reasons for approval on decision notice - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

I would imagine many LPA's will continue to provide reasons for approval and relevant policies as they provide an explanation of the decision and can be particularly useful when for example a committee has approved a decision when the officers' report recommended refusal. The change which has come in to force removes the requirement for these matters to be included in the decision notice, but it appears that there is no reason why an LPA should not include such (often useful) information should they wish to do so. It is a bit odd that in an effort streamline procedures, we now have no requirement to explain why a permission has been granted or what the decision is based upon, but do have a requirement to explain how in dealing with the application, the LPA have worked with the applicant in a positive and proactive manner based on seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to dealing with a planning application. I would question which requirement would be of greater use to the applicant and others!

Jonathan, Thanks for the view. I agree that when members reverse a recommendation that will need clear recording. Presumably the committee minutes should be detailed enough to do that. But can you imagine most committes trying to frame a suitable form of wording that is detailed enough? Perhaps this will lead to a deferment so officers can set down something that will stand any future examination? After all officers should not be expected to go into committee with written reasons for approval for those applications they are recommending refusal to. On the basis that the introduction of this measure is supposed to remove red tape and duplication for officers when they are writing delegation and committee reports, then I am coming around to the concept of an informative note on the decision notice directing people to the officers report. If officers continue to put something on the decision notice outlining why the application has been supported then it needs to be all or nothing as there can be no half measures. Regards Steve Cornwell

We are not intending to change our systems and will conntinue to apply to decisions. Will review especially if NPPF Positive Statement were to be repealed. Kelvin

We at Stroud will continue to include the whole officers report. The report is material to the decision and to summarise it (or to omit it) would not change the legal implications, but adds work in double handling the information and the inherent risk that they may inadvertently conflict with one another. We have also added the “how we acted in a proactive way” statement to the officer’s report so everything is covered. Yes it makes for long documents, but other than the one sent to the applicant, everything else is a PDF.