How objectors to Calderdale plans can voice their concerns at meetings

In normal times Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee allows objectors and applicants, or their spokespeople or agents, to address the committee, with ward councillors also able to speak on an application.

Calderdale Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee, which itself met for the first time in virtual form on Calderdale Council’s YouTube channel, heard it will be possible to do this at a virtual planning meeting, with the first one planned since lockdown scheduled for June 16.

If a person did not have the necessary technology, a written statement submitted to the Planning Committee could be read out by a planning officer, said the council’s Planning Lead, Richard Seaman.

When lockdown began due to the coronavirus pandemic, arrangements were put in place that where necessary decisions could be made by planning officers with senior councillors. In normal circumstances a number of applications are dealt with under delegated powers with more controversial applications, or ones which will have a big impact, usually coming before committee.

Mr Seaman said that since lockdown began, it had been shown that technically a planning meeting could be held virtually.

“Since then, Government regulations allow things like planning committees to be held virtually.

“Having tested the software I am confident we can mirror to a great extent a physical planning committee – subject to certain adaptions and modifications,” he said.

The emergency procedures would still be held in reserve as a contingency measure, said Mr Seaman.

Scrutiny Board Chair Coun George Robinson (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) asked if the emergency procedure would take place if the committee did not meet virtually, for example technical issues, and wanted to ensure there was a “stop” mechanism for powers after a certain length of time.

Coun Jane Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said physical meetings had been affected by things like a fire alarm and had to be postponed and this would not be different.

Coun Peter Caffrey (Con, Northowram and Shelf) asked who would decide which plans were significant enough to come before committee but Coun Dave Young (Lab, Calder) said councillors had the right to call in any application before committee.

Coun Rosin Cavanagh (Lab, Luddenden Foot) asked how objectors and applicants would contribute.

Mr Seaman said this would be arranged beforehand with the council’s business support team so the person could be admitted to the virtual meeting by invitation at the relevant point, by video link.

“We’re trying to make the best of a situation we know is not ideal,” said Mr Seaman.