Norfolk county councils planning committee is meeting today (June 29) to consider whether the recommendation to approve the Willows Power & Recycling Centre is taken forward.
However, the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) yesterday (June 28) placed a holding direction on the council meaning that any decision will not be confirmed until after the paperwork has been reviewed by Mr Pickles.
A letter to the county council on behalf of Mr Pickles from the CLG explained the situation. It reads: In exercise of his powers under Article 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2010, the Secretary of State hereby directs your Council not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation. This direction is issued to enable him to consider whether he should direct under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 that the application should be referred to him for determination.
This direction, does not, of course, prevent your Council from considering the application, forming a view as to the merits or, if they are so minded, refusing permission.
Controversial
Commenting on the move by the CLG, a spokesman for the council told letsrecycle.com that, while the move was not unexpected it is not standard procedure for a minister. He explained that the CLG stepped in after it had been lobbied by all nine of the Norfolk MPs and those in opposition of the facility.
He said: This is not standard. It is because its controversial and because our MPs recognise the way its become such a big issue in the area. We think that passing it over to Eric Pickles for the decision would be the best way to ensure everyone is satisfied with the outcome.
Planning
In response to the letter from the DCLG, Graham Plant, Norfolk county councils cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: We had anticipated that this would be a step the Government was likely to take to give itself time to consider a very substantial planning application. We had already sent the Committee report and appendices to CLG.
Related Links
Mr Plant explained that the council would provide every assistance to the CLG if it decided to review the decision or call it in.
He added: The Government clearly expects the County Council to make a decision, however we have been asked not to issue a decision notice until the Secretary of State has been able to review matters. This means that the committee will consider the application tomorrow [June 29], but if it decides to approve, a decision notice will not be issued until the Secretary of State has completed a review and decided whether it should be referred to him for determination.
Register for free to comment