The report proposes approval of the Planning Enforcement Plan that sets out the principles to which the planning enforcement function of the Council will be delivered.

That the Planning Enforcement Plan as set out at Appendix A to the report be adopted, subject to clarifying paragraph 3.2 within the Plan.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out the Planning Enforcement Plan and the principles that would guide the work of the Planning Enforcement Team.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development confirmed that the Plan would be circulated to Town and Parish Councils in Central Bedfordshire.  He agreed to clarify paragraph 3.2 to ensure that it was recognised that a complainant may occasionally make an initial contact with ward, parish or town Councillors to report a breach of planning control before it was passed to the Planning Enforcement team for action.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to adopt the Planning Enforcement Plan that was in line with recommendations in the National Planning Policy Framework.

RESOLVED

that the Planning Enforcement Plan as set out at Appendix A to the report be adopted, subject to clarifying paragraph 3.2 within the Plan.