Agenda item

Emma Williamson introduced the report as set out.  The service had ended the year with 477 open cases, and no backlog, and had dealt with 3404 applications during 2017/18.  The service was rated within the top 3 in London. 

Ms Williamson provided the following in response to questions from the Committee:

-           There had been an increase in application determined in the last year, although caseloads were lower for officers.  The average day for decision making had been reduced by 20 days.

-           843 enforcement complaints had been received, with 76 enforcement notices served.  There was a long timescale for dealing with cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), but work had started on picking these cases back up.  Page 17 of the agenda pack showed the reasons for not proceeding with complaints.  It was pointed out to the Committee that in order to proceed with a POCA case, a prosecution had to be made first.

-           Page 45 of the agenda pack provided a list of prosecutions made.  The service received 1 third of the money from a prosecution, and it was hoped that the enforcement team could become self-financing with money received from prosecutions.  There were currently six enforcement officers providing a mainly reactive service – there were not enough resources to provide a proactive service. 

-           A workshop would be carried out for all Members in the autumn on Planning Enforcement.

-           Although application numbers had dropped, income had increased.  There were a number of large, good fee generating schemes currently in progress. 

-           The service had two trading accounts – Building Regulations, which had to break even and could not make any profit – and account for other works – consultancy work, structural work, and other works across the borough for the authority – and this helped to make the team self-financing.

-           Where dangerous structures were identified, it was the responsibility of the owner of the property to pay for the remedial works.  If the structure was very dangerous, the Council would ensure that it was made safe or repaired, and then payment would be recouped from the owner.

-           Consultation on revisions to Haringey’s existing Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was held March-May 2017.  CIL rates varied across London and it wasn’t comparable to other boroughs, as each borough needed to provide evidence for their own rates, based on land values and other factors.  The process to review rates was lengthy and so would not be reviewed annually, however the rate was index linked so it would automatically be raised annually on this basis.

-           It was expected that an announcement would be made regarding CrossRail 2 by November.

-           Where Neighbourhood Forums produced Neighbourhood Plans, the Planning Service was available to assist by attending meetings and answering questions, and ensuring that the plan meets local and government policy.  The service would not be able to provide a view on the details of the plan.  The Chair requested that further information be provided to the Committee at a future meeting on the role of Neighbourhood Forums, Neighbourhood Plans, and any current plans that were in production.

ACTION: Emma Williamson

Bob McIver and Emma Williamson drew the Committee’s attention to the attached Local Planning Enforcement Plan.  The plan was being put to the Committee for consideration and comment before being put before Cabinet to request approval for consultation.  The plan would replace the Enforcement Charter and the Guide to Planning Enforcement documents.  Comments could be sent to Ms Williamson outside of the meeting, as it was envisaged that the plan would not be submitted to Cabinet until September at the earliest.

The Chair requested that members read the document and provide any comments to Emma Williamson.

RESOLVED that

i.          the report be noted; and

ii.         subject to comments from the Committee, the Enforcement Plan be submitted to Cabinet to seek approval for consultation.