Working with developers to uphold planning rules

Harborough District Council held a ‘Developer Forum’ at The Symington Building on Thursday 13 February 2020, attended by a number of construction companies and Council planning officials.

The event highlighted the proactive work being done by the Council to ensure planning conditions are met by developers – with discussions around what has worked well, and guidance on what is, and isn’t, acceptable.

It was also an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions and clarify any issues they had.

In the last few months, Harborough District Council has taken enforcement action on a number of developers which have infringed planning conditions on construction sites across the district.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead on planning enforcement, said: “This was a very positive event to look at how we can work better with developers to ensure building projects can go ahead with minimal disruption to residents and within the boundaries of planning law. Whilst we are prepared to take action if any breaches of planning conditions occur; enforcement should be a last resort. This event was highlighting how we can work proactively with developers, and others, to ensure planning conditions are adhered to, such as working hours, road cleaning and agreed construction vehicle routes.”

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, who attended the event, said: “This was a very worthwhile event which encouraged positive working with developers, with good two-way conversation, to ensure planning conditions are upheld. I’d like to thank all those who attended.”

The Council said that feedback from those attending was that it was a very positive and collaborative event and that there was potential for further events of its kind to be held in the future.