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.”

Chair 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 email democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk
or via 01903 221006

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When will I speak?

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

Objectors: Limited to a maximum of three speakers. Limited to 3 minutes per speaker.
Parish councillor: A maximum of one parish councillor from the relevant parish council. Limited to 3 minutes.
Ward councillors: Subject to a maximum of one councillor speaking in support of the application and a maximum of one councillor speaking against the application, limited to:
- Up to two ward councillors, or
- With the agreement of the Chair, and subject to a maximum of one Ward councillor wishing to speak, one Ward councillor and an adjacent ward councillor, or
- With the agreement of the Chair and subject to no ward councillors wishing to speak, a maximum of two councillors.
- Limited to 5 minutes each.
Applicant or representative and supporters: Limited to a maximum of three speakers. Limited to 3 minutes per speaker.

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

Following public speaking, members of the Planning Committee will debate the planning application, involving professional officers as necessary and appropriate.

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

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