Issue - meetings
Changes to the Constitution
Meeting: 21/11/2022 - Council (Item 16)
16 Changes to the Constitution PDF 135 KB
To receive a report from the Corporate Director Governance detailing proposed changes to the Constitution, primarily to reflect the recommended changes following the Independent Review of the Planning Code of Practice.
Additional documents:
- 15a. Appendix A - Proposed changes to Constitution Planning Code of Practice, item 16 PDF 261 KB
- Webcast for Changes to the Constitution
Decision:
Council RESOLVED:
(1) To approve the amendments to the Constitution as set out in Appendix A of the report relating to the Planning Code of Practice.
(2) To authorise the Corporate Director, Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.
Minutes:
The Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director of Governance outlining proposed changes to the Constitution. In introducing the report, it was noted that the changes had primarily been designed to reflect changes made to the Council’s Planning Code of Practice arising from an Independent review of compliance undertaken by the Planning Advisory Service in June 2022. Members noted the outcome of the review, as detailed within Appendix A of the report, which had identified the Code as representing best practice.
The Mayor thanked the Leader for introducing the report and then opened the debate for contributions from other members.
Councillor Maurice, in highlighting comments raised regarding members role on the Planning Committee, felt it important to assure residents of the open and transparent way in which the Committee operated and the code of practice was applied.
Councillor Lorber also spoke to request minor additional changes he was keen to see included to assist in clarifying the Code of Practice, which included within section 2 (Principles of Planning & Decision Making) clarity around application of the Code to members and also reference to other councillors being included as part of the list Committee members should not allow themselves to be influenced by.
In response to the additional changes identified, the Chief Executive requested that these were submitted in writing in order to enable further consideration prior to them coming forward for approval as potential additional amendments to the Code.
As no other members indicated they wished to speak and Councillor Muhammed Butt confirmed he did not need to exercise his right of reply the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.
Council therefore RESOLVED:
(1) To approve the amendments to the Constitution as set out in Appendix A of the report relating to the Planning Code of Practice.
(2) To authorise the Corporate Director, Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.