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Public speaking arrangements

An objector, a representative of the relevant Parish or Village Council, and the applicant or his agent may speak on a planning application for up to three minutes each.

Those wishing to speak must arrive and register in person between 6.30pm and 7pm on the evening of the meeting to allow the order of speakers to be prepared. Requests to speak cannot be accepted after 7pm. All public speaking at the meeting is at the Chairman's discretion.

In the event of more than one objector wishing to speak, a single representative will normally be sought to speak for all.

Professional agents may be used by any party entitled to speak, but no written submissions are allowed.

Speakers should not seek to introduce new information or material not previously submitted with the application, as this may result in the applications being defered for further consideration or public comment.

Visual aids, handouts or other material are not permitted.

Where an application engenders considerable public interest with a number of objectors wishing to speak on particular and different aspects the Chairman may allow additional speakers. In such circumstances, the applicant would be granted more time (up to a maximum of 6 minutes) to respond.

The normal procedure is that the Chairman will ask an officer to introduce the application. Then the objector, the Parish/Village Council representative, and finally the applicant or agent will be invited to speak before Councillors discuss the proposal. Speakers will not be allowed to question each other or join in the general committee debate prior to determination of the application.

If however you register to speak and there is no opposing speaker, and you are supporting the officer recommendation, the Chairman may first ask the committee if they wish to debate the item. If not, the Chairman will ask whether you have any particular concerns you wish to raise about conditions or reasons and, if not, proceed to move the recommendation on the agenda paper. In such circumstances, you may not need to speak at the meeting, which will help move along business on the night.

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