Planning committee, spoken before one?

[Haighermeister]

Evening all.

Let me give you a bit of background.

I submitted a planning application in May 2009. The application was orignally for a 3 bedroom dormer bungalow, to be built on land next to my parents house.

The area is outside of the development boundary for the village, meaning that we have to have special circumstances. We have completed an affordable housing application that was accepted by the council.

Since that date, we have revised the plans several times (around 5) on advice of the planning officer. The house is now a more modest 2 bedroom bungalow, with a barn conversion style, granite faced.


Anyway, this has happened over the last 2 years, lots of negotiating, lots of redrawing, submitting and being at the mercy of the planners.

We are now at the point that the planners are saying they cannot make a decision under delegated powers. The plans are now going to go in front of a committee.

We have the support of the town council, one of the representitives will speak for us.

I have also been given an oppurtunity to speak, my architect says that I should focus on the aspects of the application that mean real things to me and my wife, how much impact it would make on our lives having our own house.....

I would just like some input on what to say, we have no objections from neighbours, the support of the town council, and have jumped through every hoop we have been asked to. it's infuriating that we now have to go and beg before a committee.....

Thanks guys

[herbialfa]

I speak at committees about 4 times a year!

You haven't mentioned whether the application has been recommended for approval or not.

If it has the something along the lines of

Good morning/ afternoon/ evening CHAIRMAN and members of the committee.

I am here today to ask for your support on this application.

Then emphasise the fact that you haven't rail roaded the application and you have had many meetings/ discussions with the planning department to reach a scheme which now has the officers full support.

DON'T mention anything about it being outside the D.B.

Raise the fact that there has been no objections from neighbours or the town council.

Give your reasons for staying in the area, small bit of family history in the area etc.

Finally..........

"I therefore ask you to go with the officers recommendation of approval and support this application."

Also you haven't mentioned your local Councillor. Get in touch with him/ her to ask for assistance at the committee. They can speak at the meeting to to ask for approval.

Best of luck!!!!

PS. If its not too late time wise, if you get on well with the neighbours, get them to write letters of support for the application!!!

Its just more bonus points for you!

PPS. If you could post a scan of the committee agenda that would also help on here! Try and go to a committee locally prior to yours to see whats it like. Some are very formal others are less formal.