Delegated Officer Decisions

The OPDC Scheme of Planning Delegations allows the Director of Planning, or their direct reports, to determine planning applications on behalf of OPDC. This is provided that the application doesn't fall into one or more of the following categories:

• it is of a significant or a potentially contentious nature
• it has received significant objections
• it may prevent the Corporation from fulfilling its functions and responsibilities
• it involves a significant departure from development plan policy (which would be required to be notified to the Secretary of State), but where it is proposed to approve the application
• it is of such a significant nature in terms of impact on the Corporation’s purposes, functions or responsibilities that it should be referred to the Planning Committee or Board

When deciding whether an application falls into one of the above categories in some cases officers may first consult with the Chair and relevant local authority representative(s) on the Planning Committee.