There is widespread variation in local councils' responses to delivering planning services as exemplified in their approach to delegation and the setting up of virtual planning committees. As mentioned, some councils are delegating more decision making to officers.
The introduction of virtual meetings has had mixed results. Without robust arrangements for meaningful participation of third parties in planning committee meetings, the public voice risks being sidelined. Reliable live streaming of meetings and support and advice for the public on how to participate are both essential.
We believe that arrangements for public involvement must be in line with principles of access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental decision-making – which are enshrined in a UN Treaty known as the Aarhus Convention, signed by the UK.
To safeguard local democracy and accountability, major decisions and those of a controversial nature should continue to be made by elected members, not officers.
The pandemic also raises fundamental questions regarding the relevance of Local Plan targets (for example, governing how many new homes should be built) since the evidence on which these are based was drawn up in very different economic and demographic circumstances. This suggests the need for revision and review.
Campaigners have called on the government and councils to ensure that the public continues to have a say in planning decisions during the coronavirus outbreak, highlighting a series of "troubling cases" where decisions made by 'virtual' committees or under delegated powers are alleged to have been taken with limited public involvement.
