HTAG Guildford - HTAG Involvement in Local Planning Matters

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HTAG Involvement in Local Planning Matters

The Local Planning System

Planning decisions are "led" by the Borough Plan (2003). This is based on government and regional guidelines. It is backed up by subsidiary documents such as supplementary planning guidelines (SPGs), planning briefs, etc. Amenity groups and residents' associations (AGs) are invited to provide an input to these. In theory all planning applications can be decided by reference to them. In practice there is some room for interpretation.

Besides immediate neighbours all applications in our area are notified to HTAG, typically 5 per week. We are an "Official Consultee", and comments we make can carry more weight than those of individuals. We, and other Consultees, have only 14 days in which to comment (individuals have 21) although late submissions may be considered. Only a small percentage of applications now come to the planning Committee - most are "delegated". If a planning application is refused the developer can appeal, but the converse is not possible.

In the event of an appeal HTAG (and the general public) can participate in the enquiry. Where there is a third tier of local government, these councils (eg Parish Councils), will usually be the local consultee for planning matters. In lieu of such Councils in Guildford, this role has to be carried out by "recognised" AGs, who generally do not have the resources that PCs do. They are however increasingly taking a more prominent role in planning matters.

Matters to do with highways developments are not included in the planning system, and there is little opportunity for public input.

HTAG Aims. We try to . . .

1. Ensure that local residents are informed of all planning matters that could affect them. 2. Monitor developments and make sure early warning is provided on major proposals. 3. Provide a creative input to the various guideline documents, to improve our own area and its amenities (eg basic shopping and pedestrian facilities, protection and provision of trees, open space, children's playgrounds, prevention of commercial encroachment into established residential areas etc). 4. Revue all Planning Applications for our area and the immediate town centre including High Street (as our only local shopping area), and comment as necessary. 5. When appropriate, support neighbours in assessing applications (where HTAG itself would not submit comments). 6. Keep a library of planning documents and records of applications.

How We Work

Every other week the planning group (max, 9) meet at the Planning Offices for about 2 hours to review applications, documents and correspondence. Following the meeting a site visit is sometimes made and extra information sought. The appropriate Road Rep is usually contacted. A local meeting may be organised. The Secretary writes objections or comments as necessary. These letters are copied to the local Councillors and any other organisations with an interest. We make a submission on almost all planning guidelines, and raise objections on about one fifth of applications. We participate in appeal hearings, and occasionally have a speaker at a Council Committee Meeting. A summary of all applications looked at, actions taken, and correspondence, is made available at Road Reps meetings. We try to report all matters of general interest in the HTAG newsletter and on the HTAG website.

Some Personal Comments

HTAG resources are limited, and we have to restrict our activities to developments in our area that are of general interest, and those that directly affect our amenities. Major town centre developments are well covered by organisations with a wider remit - particularly Guildford Society and East Guildford Residents Associations (EGRA), whom we liase with.

The GBC planning system, as it affects us, is inefficient. Improvements, that would encourage public involvement, and greatly reduce our work, have been promised. GBC planning facilities are very stretched. Increasingly the system relies on the public, (particularly AGs), to thoroughly examine applications and identify problems and areas for improvement. This also applies to enforcement (when work is done without planning permission) - little action happens unless complaints are received from the public. Developers have considerable resources to present their case, including many professional advisors. They also have more contact with the Planning Officers than we do. To match them we have to present a strong and well-researched case for our views. It is for the Planning Officers and Councillors to judge which arguments are valid.

What is Achieved

This is difficult to assess. Many applications that we have opposed have been refused. Almost all contravened planning guidelines, so they might have been refused anyway. However the very fact that there is some public interest makes those involved more careful to conform to the guidelines, and to take note of public opinion. We know that the Council Officers are often glad to have public support when dealing with developers. It is also a useful channel to convey views to our Councillors. The views of Amenity Groups have undoubtedly influenced the formulation of new documents to the good.

Improvements?

More "local" meetings to discuss particular applications. Use of the website to provide current planning information, perhaps backed up on notice boards. A regular open meeting to discuss planning matters. More use of emails to help overcome the short timescale. Road Reps take responsibility for organising local meetings?

Please let us know if you feel that changes are needed. Also keep us informed of your wishes for the sort of long-term improvements to the area that you feel we should be working towards. If you would like to be involved you would be very welcome.

Bob Bromham , Planning Secretary

If you would like to be notified of planning updates as they appear on the HTAG website, submit your email address via the "Contact Us" section of the site.