Speaking at Worthing Planning Committees

Welcome

Welcome to Worthing Borough Council's Planning Committee.

Public speaking to object to or support planning applications is now an established part of our Council's procedure at Planning Committee meetings.

The information below aims to answer any queries you may have about this. I hope you find this information useful.

Chairman of Worthing Planning Committee.

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Public speaking

Public speaking at meetings of the Planning Committee shall apply to planning applications. Comments made to the Committee must be relevant to planning issues.

Examples of relevant planning issues:

external design, appearance and layout of the development
impact on trees and nature conservation or overshadowing and privacy
highway safety
planning policy and government guidance

Examples of non-relevant issues:

boundary disputes or other property rights
loss of property value or loss of a view
matters covered by other legislation
the applicant's motives, character or reputation

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Will I be able to speak?

You may speak at the meeting if you are:

an objector
a Ward Councillor
an applicant (or their representative)

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Do I need to register to speak?

Yes. If you wish to speak at the meeting you must give notice of your intention to do so to Democratic Services.

Registration should be made no later than noon on the day before the notified Committee date by telephoning 01903-221006 or via email democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

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When will I speak?

The order and time allowed for speaking at meetings will be:

Objector(s): Maximum of three speakers, 3 minutes each
Up to 2 Ward Councillors or 1 and an adjacent Ward Councillor (or in exceptional circumstances another Councillor): 3 minutes each, or at Chairman's discretion if appropriate
Applicant or agent / supporters: Maximum of three speakers, 3 minutes each*
The Committee - to discuss the planning application, involving the officers as necessary: No time limit at the meeting

* This consists of the applicant or agent and two members of the public, or if the third place is not taken by a member of the public then the applicant or agent can take the third place.

The Chairman will allow an extension of the time limits set out above to be extended to a length of time deemed appropriate on complex planning applications that have attracted an abnormally high number of representations.

There will be no right for others to speak at the meeting.

You cannot speak again at the meeting on the same application.

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