The regulatory panel welcomes hearing the views of interested parties during its consideration of planning applications. In this way, the panel can be more assured that it is aware of all considerations when it comes to make its decision.
What happens at the meeting?
In accordance with government advice, the holding of some council meetings virtually is not permitted. The Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel are required to meet face to face to make decisions. Restrictions and government guidance relating to the coronavirus, are still in place. For those wishing to attend just to observe you will need to register. See section on “Can I speak at the panel”. Council members will be in attendance with some officers. Some officers will be taking part virtually.
The agenda is normally split into two to three separate time slots, depending on the number of items it considers, and normally starts at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. This avoids you having to wait around for a full day, but we must hear applications in full. We will not usually call you earlier than your time slot, but we cannot guarantee it will not be later.
The chair will start the meeting and set out how it will be conducted. The chair will introduce each item and will ask the planning officer to give a brief presentation of the proposal and the recommendation. Plans and other information (eg photos) will be displayed electronically in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and referred to throughout the meeting.
Can I speak at the panel?
You may wish to address the panel directly with your comments at the meeting. A maximum of three people will be allowed to speak against the application. The applicant will also be invited to speak. A total maximum of nine minutes will be allowed for all sides to speak.
If you wish to speak at the meeting, you will need to register using the form which is available via the link below-Attend a Panel Meeting. Speakers will be registered on a first come first served basis and must have registered by 5pm two days before the meeting.
Observers attending in person will need to register via this email decisionmakingandscrutiny@salford.gov.uk giving your full name, contact details (phone and email) and the planning application you are interested in (please quote our reference-see your panel invite letter). Observers will be registered on a first come first served basis and must be registered by 5pm two days before the meeting.
Speakers will be contacted the day before the panel meeting to confirm that you will be able address the panel. For both speakers and observers please arrive at the time given to you to allow enough time to confirm your attendance and be directed up to the meeting room. Speakers will be asked by the panel chair to address the meeting when your turn arrives.
The officer’s report can be viewed electronically in advance of the meeting.
If a proposal is recommended for approval by officers, then objectors will be invited to speak first, setting out why the application should be refused. The applicant will then be invited to speak, explaining why their proposal should be approved and may also be asked to respond to the objector’s concerns. If a proposal is recommended for refusal, the applicant will be invited to speak first. In all cases, comments must be addressed through the panel chair.
When all the speakers have finished their representations, members of the panel will then be able to ask questions of officers, debate the item and then make a decision. Only elected councillors on the panel are allowed to vote and make a decision. They will vote by a show of hands and the panel chair will then declare the result of that vote. Those elected members will be introduced at the start of the meeting.
Councillors can make three choices after they have heard the debate and considered the officers recommendation:
Should there be a motion from the Panel for approval or refusal which is contrary to the officer recommendation, then a senior officer will be asked to advise the Panel on the merits of the motion before a vote on the decision is taken. If a planning application is deferred for further information and you have previously written to the council about the application or are the applicant, you will be informed of the date of the next meeting.
You will be sent a letter confirming the details, date and time of the next panel meeting, which will make a final decision on the application.
During current restrictions relating to the coronavirus, no site visits will be conducted by the panel.
Please note that this form is for people who have an interest in a current planning application which is due to be considered by the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel and who wish to speak at the meeting. Please register if you intend to observe in person using the email in the section “Can I speak at panel”?.
Fields marked (required) are mandatory and must be completed.