- Review of 2008-2009

Planning Sub-Committee – Cllr Peter Lead, Chairman

This year has seen a relatively busy time with planning applications being considered.

A close liaison has been maintained with the Planning Officers and in nearly every case the opinions of the Parish have been upheld by the decisions made by Stroud District Council.

Changes to the planning appeal system for domestic applications will mean that the Sub Committee and any interested parties will need to submit full and well supported evidence if they want to object to an application. The new system means that if a refusal is taken to appeal the inspector will only consider evidence already submitted at the application stage and will NOT consider any further evidence.

Further changes look likely to lead to planning officers making most decisions and only major applications will go to a committee.

These changes mean that the Parish Plan and Village Design Statement become important documents, as they help lead the planning officers to a decision and support the Parish in their observations and comments when considering a planning application.

Rarely do members of the Parish attend our meetings. These are generally held in the Undercroft at St Mary’s Church and any one is welcome. As we consider all applications on behalf of the Parish, it would often be helpful to hear the opinions of others.