The planning process in Rugby
When anyone is considering building which requires planning permission they are supposed to consult locally first. The amount of consultation will depend on the scale of the development. If you are proposing an extension to your house which will require planning permission you are supposed to talk to your neighbours. If you are a builder who wants to put some houses on an infill site you would be expected to write to everyone in the area and if you are a developer with a larger scheme you would be expected to write to everyone and hold an exhibition of your plans.
This is called pre-application consultation or in planners jargon "pre-app".
Developers, builders and build-it yourselfers are supposed to take account of the opinions they receive during from the pre-application consultation.
The next stage is to put in a planning application. This is the point where Rugby Borough Council is involved. Rugby Borough Council will write to the people they believe are directly affected and ask their views. (Which is not the same as saying that everyone who thinks they will be affected will get a letter). At the same time the planning application is posted Rugby Borough Council's website.
The planning officers are supposed to review all the comments they receive on a planning application. The planning officers have powers to make their own decisions on small scale changes but all the major decisions are taken by the planning committee.
The councillors who sit on the planning committee are supposed to make up their minds on the merits of each individual application.
When can councillors have a say?
Councillors can comment on planning applications just like anyone else. However if a councillor who is on the planning committee makes a comment on a planning application they are not supposed to take part in the vote on whether or not to give planning permission.
Ward councillors can attend the planning committee and give their views on any planning application affecting their ward.
When do residents get a say?
Residents have three opportunities to comment on a planning application.
First during the "pre-app" stage - see above.
Second when the formal planning application has been made.
Thirdly if a group of residents have objected to a planning application they can select one of their number to speak to the planning committee when it makes its decision.
