What are plan panels?
Although most decisions (over 90%) are made by a senior officer, some are made by a panel of councillors. These are the larger, more complex or controversial applications or which have a wider significance to local communities and importance to Leeds. Officers have delegated powers to deal with most minor and householder applications. These arrangements are set out in full in the council’s constitution.
There are three plans panels – one covering the east side of the city, one the west and one, the city centre. Each meets every four weeks on a Thursday in the Civic Hall starting at 1.30 pm. Panel meetings are open to the public and we will let you know if the application you have commented on will be considered so that you can attend. NB: If you have commented using a standard letter or email and just added your name and address, we will not notify you. You will need to monitor the application through Public Access by the link on the right of the page. Your can download a leaflet which explains what plans panels are from the right of the screen. Panel dates, agendas and minutes are available by clicking on the link below. Reports are available on the website five days before the meeting and minutes within five days of the meeting which approved them. Reports can also be viewed at our reception in The Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds,
LS2 8HD.
What happens?
Once officers are aware that an application is ready to be considered by a plans panel, people who have made representations in writing, and the applicant or their agent, are informed by letter or email of their right to speak. Whilst we aim to give as much notice as possible the time period is often quite short, but this is the same for everyone. The officer will prepare a written report and an officer recommendation (normally for approval with planning conditions, or a refusal with reasons) for each application.
Who can speak?
One objector (or spokesperson for a group of objectors) may speak against the application, and one person (usually the applicant or their agent) may speak in reply in support of the application. Each will be allowed three minutes. Anyone wishing to speak must notify us of their wish to do so as soon as possible but at least two clear days prior to the date of the plans panel.
The chair of the panel has the right to decide who will speak and whether in exceptional circumstances more than one person can speak. An equal amount of speaking time will be allowed for both sides.
Members of the panel may ask questions and seek clarification of the speakers on any points arising from their presentations. Once this has been completed the objector/supporter will take no further part in the debate.
Who sits on the plans panel?
Each plans panel is made up of 9 councillors whose details are listed on our website.
Who attends the meetings?
In addition to the members of the council who sit on the panel, there will be the council’s legal representative, a number of planning officers and a highway’s officer present. The local press may also attend.
Public speaking
On arriving the porter will direct you to the room where you should register with a member of staff. Please note that mobile phones must be switched off before entering the room.
It is important to be aware that this is a meeting to which the public are invited and not a public meeting. Dialogue between the public speakers and the plans panel members is not appropriate and is limited to answering questions asked by the panel.
When the application in which you have an interest is reached, the planning officer will explain the proposal and show a site plan on screen. The officer may include other details such as digital photographs or plans. The objector will be asked to speak first by coming forward to the table with a microphone so everyone can hear. The applicant/agent will speak after this.
Making your case
You will only be allowed to speak for three minutes so you need to prepare what you wish to say carefully. You can ask someone to speak for you if you wish, for instance your local councillor or a professional advisor. You must concentrate on the ‘planning matters’ of the case and emphasise or expand the information you have already submitted. Please refer to the leaflet on ‘commenting on an application’ also available from our website for more details.
The planning officer’s report will outline what are the key planning considerations. The panel does not simply decide which applications it likes and dislikes on a subjective basis. Its powers operate within a general framework, laid down in legislation, which, broadly is that applications are to be determined in accordance with land allocations and policies in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and other supplementary guidance. In coming to their decision the panel will take into account all relevant national, regional and local planning policies and all other ‘material planning considerations’.
The decisions
The plans panel will then discuss the application until they reach a decision. This will be set out in the official minutes of the Panel meeting, which are published after the meeting. In some cases the panel will decide to defer a decision until further information is obtained. Some applications may also be deferred for a ‘site visit’ to allow panel members to visit the site.
All applicants have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State if their application is refused or conditions are attached to an approval that they think are unreasonable. However third parties have no right of appeal.
You will need to monitor Public Access www.leeds.gov.uk/publicaccess to find out about the decision. If you are tracking the application on Public Access you will be emailed when the decision is made and again when the decision notice is available usually within 5 working days. The decision notice will detail of any conditions attached to a permission or reasons for refusal.