Planning Committee Speaking Times

The request was successful.

Dear Richmondshire District Council,

Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic and conservation movement is campaigning to put public participation at the heart of the planning system. With this in mind, I am writing to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act:

1. Can you confirm how long, in minutes, a community group such as a Civic Society is permitted to speak at your local council’s Planning Committee? (By ‘Planning Committee’ we mean your local authority’s committee of elected members which determines planning applications. It may be known by a different name in your local authority).

2. Is there a limit on the number of registered speakers permitted to speak at your Planning Committee? If yes, please specify the maximum number of speakers allowed.

3. Is there a limit on the total time allowed for registered speakers? If yes, please provide details of the time restriction.

3. Are your Planning Committee procedure rules publicly available online? If yes, please provide the weblink.

Yours faithfully,

Sophie Mason
Finance and Administration Officer
Civic Voice

Richmondshire District Council

Dear Sir/Madam

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Information request 147646

I acknowledge your request for information received on 13/Aug/2019. Your
reference number is 147646.

Your request is being considered and you will receive the information
requested within the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by
the Freedom of Information Act 2000, subject to the information not being
exempt or containing a reference to a third party. If you require the
information in alternative formats, e.g. a different language, audio
format, or in large print, please let me know.

For your information, the Act defines a number of exemptions which may
prevent release of the information you have requested. There will be an
assessment and if any of the exemption categories apply then the
information will not be released. You will be informed if this is the
case, including your rights of appeal.

If the information you request contains reference to a third party then
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If you have any queries or concerns, please contact
[1][email address]

Further information is also available from the Information Commissioner at
[2]ico.org.uk

Yours sincerely

Senior Information Manager

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://ico.org.uk/

Richmondshire District Council

Dear Sir/Madam

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Information request 147646

Your request for information has now been considered and the information
requested is below.

Information disclosed:

Request:

1. Can you confirm how long, in minutes, a community group such as a Civic
Society is permitted to speak at your local council’s Planning Committee?
(By ‘Planning Committee’ we mean your local authority’s committee of
elected members which determines planning applications. It may be known by
a different name in your local authority).

2. Is there a limit on the number of registered speakers permitted to
speak at your Planning Committee? If yes, please specify the maximum
number of speakers allowed.

3. Is there a limit on the total time allowed for registered speakers? If
yes, please provide details of the time restriction.

4. Are your Planning Committee procedure rules publicly available online?
If yes, please provide the weblink.

Response:

1. 3 minutes.

2. No. Only a limit on time and subject to chairman's discretion.

3. Yes. 30 minutes.

4. Section 9 of Part 4 of the Council's Constitution:
https://www.richmondshire.gov.uk/media/8...

If you are dissatisfied with this response, and believe Richmondshire
District Council has not complied with legislation, please ask for an
internal review. Please quote reference number 147646.

You may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision at
[1]ico.org.uk. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have
exhausted the council’s complaints procedure.

The information provided in response to your request is copyright
Richmondshire District Council unless otherwise endorsed. Granting access
to this information under the Freedom of Information Act does not permit
you to re-use the information for commercial purposes, or to photocopy or
reproduce the information in any form.

If you wish to re-use the information, you need to apply for a licence by
contacting [2][email address]. You may be
required to pay a fee or comply with conditions for permitted re-use.

Yours sincerely

Senior Information Manager

References

Visible links
1. https://ico.org.uk/
2. mailto:[email address]