Decision details

To enter into a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with Dorset Council (Property and Assets) (the applicants) relating to the provision of pre-application advice, and consideration of any applications for outline planning permission or full planning applications, in relation to sites in Weymouth. The objectives of the PPA are as follows:

•           To achieve timely pre-application discussions;

•           To establish a shared commitment to an agreed timetable towards the assessment, consideration and determination of any planning applications submitted;

•           To identify issues and agree steps to resolve them where possible, including where a formal application for planning permission has been submitted one set of amended plans to be submitted at the request of the case officer; and

•           To constructively engage with key statutory consultees within Dorset Council and to encourage engagement with other key consultees in the evolution of the proposals.

The PPA sets out commitments on behalf of Dorset Council (as the local planning authority) and the applicants. There is a fee associated with the PPA to ensure that the local planning authority can meet its obligations. The PPA does not fetter the Council in any way from exercising its statutory duties as the Local Planning Authority and does not prejudice the outcomes of any planning decisions.

The decision to enter into the PPA is taken under delegated powers, as set out in paragraph 136 of the Officer Scheme of Delegation. Paragraph 136 provides delegated powers to “undertake all action in respect of administering / processing any application under

any of the Town and Country Planning Legislation including the power to … (n) enter into planning performance agreements”. The Local Scheme of Nomination for Planning Services – Executive Director of Place includes delegation of these powers to the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement.

To enter into a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with Dorset Council (Property and Assets) (the applicants) relating to the provision of pre-application advice, and consideration of any applications for outline planning permission or full planning applications, in relation to sites in Weymouth. The objectives of the PPA are as follows:

•         To achieve timely pre-application discussions;

•         To establish a shared commitment to an agreed timetable towards the assessment, consideration and determination of any planning applications submitted;

•         To identify issues and agree steps to resolve them where possible, including where a formal application for planning permission has been submitted one set of amended plans to be submitted at the request of the case officer; and

•         To constructively engage with key statutory consultees within Dorset Council and to encourage engagement with other key consultees in the evolution of the proposals.

To set clear expectations for the provision of pre-application advice and the assessment, consideration, and determination of any planning application submitted, and to secure an appropriate fee to cover the cost to the local planning authority of meeting these commitments.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The PPA is considered to be beneficial to both parties, in terms of setting clear expectations, and facilitating constructive dialogue, and the alternative option of not entering into the PPA is therefore rejected.