Agenda item

To consider a report summarising the decisions taken within set time targets by Development Management and Building Control since the last Regulatory Committee meeting and to update on progress with the implementation of the Development Management Improvement Plan.

The Committee received a briefing paper and short presentation setting out performance statistics for Development Management and Building Control services and an update on progress implementing the Development Management Improvement Plan set within the context of changes to performance monitoring criteria introduced by the Government. The Committee were advised that additional officer resourcing was now in place to lead implementation of the Improvement Plan, with monitoring and oversight provided by a dedicated Project Board in addition to the Council’s Corporate Delivery Unit.

Officers provided a brief overview of key actions and progress made under the 17 workstreams of the Improvement Plan including ongoing process mapping and reviewing, the re-evaluation of staff performance management, reassessing customer care and Member engagement mechanisms, the development of a resource manual and reviewing the service’s IT resources. The Committee asked how Members could get involved with the service transformation under the ongoing Improvement Plan. Officers confirmed that although this was currently under development following the holding of an initial workshop session, Members would play a key role in the future review and development of enforcement priorities and protocols and pre-application discussion procedures as well as plans for the future promotion of the service.

The Committee noted the performance improvements made in relation to the determination of major applications since 2011 and which currently stood at 50% determined within 13 weeks. Officers were confident that performance would continue to improve in order to meet the 64% target set for major applications. Improvements in performance in the determination of minor applications was also noted and which reflected the allocation of additional resources. Good performance was also noted against the new quality criteria indicator introduced measuring the number of major applications overturned on appeal and also the increase in customer satisfaction levels following the undertaking of a phone survey. The Chair passed on the congratulations of the Committee for the performance improvements achieved to date although it was acknowledged by both officers and Members that transforming the service inline with the aspiration to become one of the best in London remained a long term, ongoing process.

The Committee emphasised the importance of retaining a focus on the quality of decisions made by the service, particularly those made under delegated authority, and ensuring procedures to monitor this were in place. Officers advised that this area would constitute a significant part of the Improvement Plan going forward, with the introduction of a comprehensive quality control review system. This was currently at initial stage of development, with results to be reported to Members once sufficient data came through for collation and analysis. The Committee also requested, if feasible, that future reports include more detail on the specific improvements made within the service underpinning the progress made in raising performance to provide a more complete picture in conjunction with the performance data provided.  

The Committee noted the implications of the new planning guarantee introduced from 1 October and the arrangements put in place to monitor progress in determining applications within the 26 week deadline.

Members sought assurance that a transparent fee structure was in place to cover pre-application discussions. Confirmation was provided that the charging schedule for this was published on the website. Fees charged for planning performance agreements, which were negotiated on an individual basis, were currently being reviewed and benchmarked with other authorities, although it would remain on the basis of cost recovery.

The Committee discussed how the format of future performance reports could be improved. Members agreed that a focus on data covering the quality of service provided and outcomes would be beneficial as well as providing ‘good news stories’ or anecdotes to help Members get a feel for the perception of the service. Following a request from Members, it was also agreed that statistical neighbour comparison data would be included in future performance reports.

The Committee asked officers to consider how Members could be kept up to date with the progress of major applications after determination e.g. the current status of the Spurs stadium redevelopment following the award of planning permission. It was advised that an update report would be provided to the next meeting on major applications and compliance with conditions imposed such as local employment etc.   

RESOLVED

·        That the update be noted.