Published on Wednesday 03 January 2024
Proposals to introduce two area-based planning committees which would allow for more localised planning decisions, are to be discussed at Full Council on Tuesday 9 January.
The establishment of a Transport Advisory Group, which advises on traffic regulation orders and other transport-related matters, is also on the agenda at the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council meeting.
These recommendations follow discussions from the Constitution Review Working Group and the subsequent Audit and Governance Committee at the end of November 2023.
If approved at Full Council, these proposals would change the council’s constitution, which sets out the rules and procedures which explain how council business is carried out and how decisions are made.
BCP Council has operated a single planning committee since its establishment in April 2019.
The proposal outlines two area-based committees using formal ward boundaries, with 11 members preferred for each committee and local representation wherever possible.
Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places said:
“We made a promise to be an open, transparent and accountable Council and the proposed increase in member and public participation is evidence of that commitment in action.
“Reviewing the planning committee structure was part of that promise. The creation of a Western BCP and an Eastern BCP Planning Committee would allow for a more localised decision-making process with both committees meeting regularly to ensure consistency in the decisions being made.
“By introducing two committees we will encourage more community involvement and representation, with residents and ward councillors able to attend meetings that may have an impact on the area in which they live.
The Constitution Review Working Group also recommended the creation of a Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) which would deliver greater public engagement around Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO).
The council currently refers all TROs and other transport related matters direct to Cabinet for approval. To promote community involvement and local representation on issues which affect certain areas, the recommendation for an informal TAG will also be discussed at Full Council.
Cllr Slade continued:
“BCP Council has previously had a more formal Transportation Advisory Group running during 2020.
“Implementing this new TAG as an informal advisory body which allows non-executive members from all political parties to serve, allows more community involvement and local representation on the issues which affect specific regions.
“An informal TAG would also avoid unnecessary delays in determining TROs and reduce the burden of additional reports which benefits everyone.”
If agreed at Full Council, the constitution would be amended with the decisions coming into effect on 7 May 2024.
For further information, please read the report being discussed at Full Council on 9 January.