Delegated powers for planning decisions
In relation to planning permission, delegated powers are used by Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to deal with planning applications. Delegated powers enable planning officers to determine applications themselves without needing a decision from the planning committee. The majority of, mainly minor, applications are dealt with in this way.
Designated officers consider the recommendations that are outlined in a delegated report by the case officer and a decision is agreed and issued.
Each LPA will have their own scheme of delegation which designate the categories of planning application which can be decided under delegated powers.
Generally, applications that receive three or more objections are referred to the Planning committee.
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Comments
Our neighbours recently put in a Planning Application, the original plan recieved a number of objections including the Parish Council. The plans were reviewed and again three objections were received, including the Parish Council.
However, our local council - Shropshire - have taken the deicision to go against their protocol ie. for it to go to Committee and have left it with the planning officer under delegated authority.
The Planning Officer has now granted the permission which in our opinion, makes a complete mockery of the system. What action can we take?