The National Park Authority wants to ensure everyone has a chance to make their views known before a decision is taken on planning applications. Everyone has the right to give their comments in writing but if you have views about a planning application which is being determined by the Planning Committee you or your representative may now also be able to give your views at the Committee meeting.
What To Do If You Wish To Speak
- You first need to find out if the application you're interested in is being considered at a Planning Committee (many more minor and non-controversial applications are now decided by officers under delegated powers). The planning administration team can advise you of this and of the date of the likely consideration.
- Planning Committee are held once a month on Thursdays at the National Park Offices in Helmsley usually starting at 10.00am.
- You need to give notice of your wish to speak by 12 noon on the day before the meeting by telephoning 01439 770657 (ask to speak to one of the planning administration team) or emailing us using the online form. It will help us if you can give us a telephone number where you can be contacted during the day.
- You can view the written agendas 5 working days before the meeting - either in Helmsley or via this website. This contains a full report by the Planning Officer and includes a written summary of all views received in writing before the agenda was printed.Items will usually be dealt with in the order shown on the agenda.
Who Can Speak
- One person can speak in favour of the application.
- One person can speak against.
You will be advised if more than one person wishes to speak for or against and advised to try and appoint one spokesperson to represent all who wished to speak.
If you cannot agree on one spokesperson the person who notified us first that they wished to speak will be asked to present their views.
In Addition
- One person can speak on behalf of the Parish Council
What Will Happen in the Committee Meeting
- The Chairman will introduce the application and ask the person wishing to speak in favour of the proposal to speak followed by the person against.
- You can speak for a maximum of 3 minutes.
- You will be advised when you have 30 seconds left and after 3 minutes will be asked to stop speaking whether or not you've completed all you wanted to say.
- Committee Members will not be able to ask you questions nor will you be able to ask any questions.
- The Planning Officer gives a brief oral summary of his/her report including a summary of any further written representations.
- The Committee will discuss the proposal and normally make a decision. A decision on some items may be deferred to allow further information to be obtained or negotiations to take place. In exceptional circumstances a Committee site visit may be held. Such visits will take place in accordance with an adopted code of practice, a copy of which can be obtained from the planning administration team.
Further Points to Note
- Even if you have submitted views in writing you can still speak but remember the Committee will already have a summary of your views and you may decide to speak only if you wish to bring forward new points or emphasise particular issues. Statements repeating what you have said in writing are unlikely to help the Committee in reaching a decision.
- Staff will be available from 9.30am on the day of the meeting to give further advice on procedures and explain the layout of the Committee room or you can contact them prior to the meeting.
- This is a 'pilot' scheme and if you particupate we may ask for your views so we can try and improve our service in future.
