MALDON District Council could make substantial changes to the way planning committees operate if councillors agree to a set of new proposals.

On the table for discussion and decision at a full council meeting next Thursday (2 September) is a set of proposals which would see the current three area planning committees (Central, North Western and South Eastern) removed and the formation of a new single committee covering the whole district.

The proposals for change have been put together following consultation with the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) provided by the Local Government Association (LGA).

If adopted, the plan is to introduce the changes from January 2022.

Other key points in the plans include:

-having a specialist legal presence at each meeting

-changing the way proposals are made so that the debate takes place first, before officers' recommendations are put forward and seconded

-introducing an electronic voting system in the chamber

-more training on planning and policy issues for members

-members encouraged to seek answers to any questions from officers prior to meetings

-review of the 'scheme of delegation' which allows officers to make planning decisions - currently 20 per cent of decisions go through committee and the Government recommendation is that only five per cent should be debated and decided by members.

A report to councillors prepared for next week's meeting states that at least £41,703 savings would be made each year by adopting the single planning committee structure and having a legal presence.

The plan is also aimed at improving consistency in decision-making across the district and helping to ensure that planning decisions made are in line with stated policy.

To find out more about the plans you can view the report on the Maldon District Council website using the link here at page 195 onwards.