Planning Committee meetings

Attend a meeting

Planning Committee meetings are public meetings where elected councillors decide whether planning applications are approved or refused. Meetings occur on a monthly basis, generally commencing at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Ilford, IG1 1DD. 

All members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting - however due to social distancing guidance we can only accept limited numbers in the Council Chamber. The Committee meeting will also be available to stream online live. Find meeting dates and streaming links, agendas, members, attendance statistics, declarations of interest and officer reports on the Planning Committee details page. 

Speaking at a meeting

A maximum of three people per application will be allowed to speak at the meeting. The applicant or agent and two other people (priority will be given to objectors). If an objector speaks, the applicant or agent is given the opportunity to respond to the issues raised.

Those wishing to speak must advise the Committee Support Officer no later than the working day before the day of the meeting. What to expect and how to contact them will be outlined on the letter when we write to interested parties. More information about meetings and their recordings can be found on our Public Meetings page

 

Why do applications go to Planning Committee?

We try to achieve a balance between a timely turn-around of planning applications, and the public's desire to have a greater say in the decision-making process. We have two ways in which decisions are made; through a Delegated procedure (by the planning department) or a Committee procedure (decided by elected counsellors).

Applications sent to Committee can be large, complex or controversial. Any Council Member can request an application to be taken to Committee (“called-in”) within the 21 day consultation period, provided it is for reasons based on planning rationale. In addition, applications which receive three or more separate representations relating to planning matters may go to Committee, if the planning department intend to approve it.

 

How do I find out if an application is going to Planning Committee?

Once the case officer is sure the application is being taken to Planning Committee, they will write to those who have made representations to let you know the date of the meeting and further information.