More say for councillors on planning applications

Warrington councillors have voted unanimously to give themselves a greater say in the community benefits required from planning applications. All political parties supported a motion proposed by the Liberal Democrats with backing from Labour at the full Council meeting on 19 June.

So called Section 106 Agreements are part of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. They are legally binding and refer to extra requirements necessary to make a development acceptable in planning terms. Examples of these extra requirements are schools, affordable housing, the environment, and public transport. The community benefits funded must be needed because of the planning application and not just because they would be good to have.

Ever since I have been a councillor, these Agreements have been a bit of a mystery. They are agreed between planning officers and developers with virtually no input from councillors. We think this is wrong and that ward councillors and parish councillors should be given the opportunity to express their opinions and hopefully influence what is funded. After all local councillors are best placed in most situations to understand local needs and priorities.

We are asking for training to be given to both borough and parish councillors to improve their understanding of what is involved in Section 106 Agreements. This will be of benefit when they initially comment on the planning application as well as improve their input on their preferred community benefits.

It is important that any changes do not delay the planning process and risk what is called 'non determination' which could lead to costs being imposed on the Council. A Task & Finish Group is being set up to look at the best way of implementing these changes.