One of the  ‘items of concern’  from  EDDC’s recent Full Council meeting, is their plan to use more ‘delegated powers’ for planning decisions (See our May 24th report, Public question time…and some items of concern ).

Will the new planning application for Sidford  be decided by this method, away from the public eye? (For the proposal, and SVA objection, go to May 20th post, New Planning Application for Sidford AONB).

SOS Chair, Richard Thurlow has been finding out. His comments, and correspondence with EDDC , are  reproduced below, with his permission:

 “I asked whether the Planning Application for the vet centre in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  was going to the Development Management Committee or being dealt with under ‘Delegated powers’.

This is the answer.”.

Sent: 24 May 2013 18:35

Dear Richard,

Further to your attached e-mail and subsequent voicemail all I can say at this stage is that the process by which the decision is made on this matter will follow the Council’s constitution and therefore if the recommendation is contrary to that of one or more of the ward members comments then the matter will be reported to the DM Committee. Furthermore if the recommendation is to approve then it would also be reported to DM Committee as a departure from the Local Plan. Aside from these circumstances a decision could be made under delegated powers. Until we have come to a final view ourselves and have the opinions of the ward members I cannot confirm the procedure for a decision on this matter.

Regards.

 “Sidmouth Town Council has agreed to this Application, so we shall have to see if any Ward members object, or whether it is considered a departure from the Local Plan (in the existing it is; in the new LP it is, too).”