If an application for planning permission
involves complex or sensitive issues, if it represents a
significant departure from the City Council’s Development
Plan, or if formal objections to it have been raised, then the
application cannot be resolved by the Council planning officers and
it is determined by the Planning Committee. The Executive Board is
responsible for formulating the Development Plan, for approval by
the full Council, and it consults the Planning Committee as part of
the drafting process.
The Committee is made up of sixteen
councillors and reflects the political balance of the Council. It
usually meets twelve times each year and its meetings are open to
the public.