MC reported that the local development scheme (which sets out the framework of proposed work for the next three years) has been submitted to the Secretary of State, there are no changes so it will be published on the website soon.

Core strategy – still working on issues and options. A lot of work is going into producing evidence. We want to start the consultation process in the summer.

An important piece of work is the engagement plan, which is about how we will engage with the community. There will be three workshops, one in each delivery area, with Members – to explore ways of working with the community. Elements of these workshops will be with community network managers to assist in working with the community.

There has not been much progress with area action plans (AAPs). This is in the hands of what is happening with the regional spatial strategy (RSS). We cannot continue with the core strategy and area action plans (AAPs) until we know more about the RSS.

Q If changes to the RSS are likely, is there another plan?

A We would need a framework plan, which brings together information from documents such as the parish plans. We need to provide housing locally for growth, which is different in each area and this requires evidential information. Framework plans would fit into the core strategy.

Q Won’t local councils need a toolkit to help them with this work?

A After the general election we will know in which direction we are going, whether it be bottom up, top down or a bit of both in regard to how we deal with growth.

MC informed that we are currently in the process of pulling this together. This will inform how we involve the community in the local development framework as well as in the planning application process.

A draft document was presented to the planning policy advisory panel and cabinet in January 2010 and should be ready for consultation in March. We are currently bringing together all the previous district lists and cleansing the database by contacting everybody to update the information.

The consultation will be relatively formal with six weeks for comments.

JD reported back on the five items he took previously for investigation:

Training for local councils – Members have been trained and JD and his officers are currently visiting local councils to train on enforcement. It is envisaged that they will visit each community network area in turn to provide such training. We are doing as much as we can with the resources we have.

Better communication – All local councils on email should be getting weekly update lists on enforcement cases. In some areas we have also started sending weekly lists of cases that are closed and should be able to roll this out Countywide later in the year. Officers have been asked to keep local councils updated regularly when they have an interest in particular cases.

Q Enforcement files are confidential, how can you keep people informed?

A They are confidential, but some information is available to the public. If you are unhappy with the information you receive, then contact the area enforcement officer.

Q When people report an enforcement case to Cornwall Council, sometimes it appears that nothing is being done, why is this?

A We are currently looking into what enforcement information we can report online with our new IT system, this should provide better, more up-to-date information.

Proactive work/fly posting – The intention has always been to start dealing with this in the second year of the new council and so it is hoped to start in the summer of 2010. We are currently just dealing with complaints but debating whether we do reactive/proactive work together or set up a separate team for proactive work.

NG stated that we need to be proactive on controlling work by conditions as often approvals are given subject to conditions that need to be monitored. NS informed that when discharging conditions, sometimes we need to get local councils involved. JD replied that we are committed to do proactive work, we just need to decide how to do it and in partnership with local councils. We currently carryout reactive work in regard to fly posting but this will become part of the proactive work that we wish to do.

Magistrate training – JD has spoken to colleagues in other services who have similar problems. Two members of Cornwall Council are magistrates so JD will be asking them to assist him with the problem.

BD reported:

NS updated on proposed changes to the protocol and how it can be improved. The planning procedures panel are to consider the protocol for adoption at its meeting on 2 March and Phil Mason will update local councils following their decision.

Some local councils have been abusing this draft protocol and so measures have had to be taken. There has been quite an increase in the number of applications being taken to the area planning committees.

Q When the order of the applications on a committee agenda has changed, can this please be mentioned at the beginning of the meeting.

A Yes, we will make sure the Chairman announces any changes.

NS informed that the planning procedures panel at its next meeting will decide on changes to the current procedure for site meetings and that it is likely that where necessary, informal site visits prior to committee meetings will be introduced.

Q Can local councils speak on applications that abut or share the boundary of their parish, especially if they are consulted on such applications?

A Yes, they should be allowed to speak. NS will inform democratic services.

We want to provide local councils with some guidance notes to assist in responding to planning application consultations.

The group considered a discussion paper.

BD/NS/PM to organise the first forum meeting.

BD