Public speaking at the Planning Committee

The Planning Committee deals with applications which are not covered by the council's 'Scheme of Delegation'.

Before the committee makes a decision about a planning application, you can attend the committee meeting and speak for or against an application.

If you are thinking of speaking at the committee meeting, please read the following guidance:

  1. Who can speak at the Planning Committee meeting?
  2. How many people are allowed to speak?
  3. How much time is allowed?
  4. Will I be asked questions by the committee?
  5. What do I have to do to register a request to speak?
  6. Can somebody else speak on my behalf?
  7. What time should I arrive if I wish to speak?
  8. What is the order of the committee procedure?
  9. What happens if the application I am interested in is deferred?
  10. What matters can the committee take into account?
  11. When are meeting agendas available?

1. Who can speak at the Planning Committee meeting?

Applicants/agents and members of the public who are for or against an application can address the committee. The points must relate to a previously submitted written representation made on the planning application.

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2. How many people are allowed to speak?

In circumstances where more than one person wishes to speak either for or against an application, you must nominate one spokesperson or divide the time between yourselves. This makes sure the process is fair and manageable.

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3. How much time is allowed?

A total of three minutes is allowed for objectors and supporters. This does not include time spent answering the committee's questions.

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4. Will I be asked questions by the committee?

Yes, but only questions of clarification.

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5. What do I have to do to register a request to speak?

You must submit your request in writing by 12pm the day before the meeting to Democratic Services, Department of Corporate Resources, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, PO Box 21, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU. You can also fax your request to 0151 482 1262 or email to planning.speaking@knowsley.gov.uk and include the following information:

  • your name, address and telephone number
  • application number and details of the relevant application
  • whether you support or oppose the application
  • if you are happy for your details to be shared with others who register the same request to speak. This will enable you to arrange who speaks and for how long
  • whether you are nominating anybody to speak on your behalf. If so, you need to provide their name and contact details.

Only provide the details listed above. Please do not seek to use this as an opportunity to restate or add to your representations already made to Planning Services.

You can contact Democratic Services on 0151 443 3582 before the 12pm deadline to make sure they have received your request. You should allow enough time to comply with the procedure in the event that they have not received your request.

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6. Can somebody else speak on my behalf?

Yes, as long as you registered the request to speak, not the person speaking on your behalf.

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7. What time should I arrive if I wish to speak?

You should arrive by 5.45pm and report to the democratic services officer.

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8. What is the order of the committee procedure?

  1. The application is introduced by the Chairman.
  2. Presentation of report by planning officer.
  3. The Chairman will call upon those objecting to the proposal to speak for three minutes.
  4. Committee will ask questions of clarification.
  5. The Chairman will call upon those supporting the proposal to speak for three minutes.
  6.  Committee will ask questions of clarification.
  7. The planning officer will comment on any factual matters raised by the speakers.
  8. Committee will debate the applications and ask questions to officers and reach a decision without further public involvement.
  9. After each decision the Chairman will inform the meeting of the decision and the procedure for formal notification of the decision.

Please note that when addressing the committee under this procedure you will not be allowed to display or circulate any material or information to the committee.

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9. What happens if the application I am interested in is deferred?

You will need to register your request to speak again, in accordance with this procedure. No requests to speak will be carried forward to future Planning Committee meetings.

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10. What matters can the committee take into account?

The committee must consider all applications in the light of the Development Plan and any other material considerations such as:

  • Loss of light
  • Effect on listed buildings and conservation areas
  • Overshadowing
  • Landscaping
  • Overlooking and/or loss of privacy
  • Road access
  • Adequacy of parking/loading/turning areas
  • Highway safety
  • Overbearing nature of proposal
  • Traffic regeneration
  • Loss of trees
  • Noise and disturbance resulting from use
  • Layout and density of buildings
  • Smells
  • Design, appearance and materials
  • Disabled persons access
  • Safety aspects of hazardous materials
  • Archaeology
  • Nature conservation
  • Visual amenity (but loss of private view is not material)

Issues which the committee cannot normally take into account include matters controlled under the Building Regulations and other legislation, issues between neigbours/properties and construction issues.

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11. When are meeting agendas available?

You can view the agendas/reports in person five working days before the date of the meeting at the council's One Stop Shop in Huyton. You can request a hard copy of an item before the meeting on 0151 443 3582. There is a charge of 20p per sheet for copies. Or you can view agendas and reports on our website.

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