Masterplan Consent Area Regulations: consultation responses summary

Question 15

Question 15 A) To what extent do you agree with the proposed requirements in relation to the publication of MCA schemes and the decision notice as set out in Draft Regulation 7?

Responses to Question 15A are set out by respondent type in Table 14 below.

A total of 52 respondents answered this question. A majority – 67.3% of those who answered the question – strongly agreed or agreed with the proposed requirements in relation to the publication of MCA schemes and the decision notice. 19.2% remained neutral and 13.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed. Organisations were more likely to agree or strongly agree than Community and Individual respondents, at 59.6% and 40% respectively. There were high levels of agreement from both Planning Authorities (84.2%) and the Development, Property & Land Management sector and Agents (71.4%).

Question 15B) Please explain your view.

33 respondents provided further comment at Question 15B.

Summary /Themes

The responses were generally supportive of the proposed requirements in relation to the publication of MCA schemes and the decision notice. The supportive responses cited the similarity and consistency to the publication requirements for other planning process, and as such was considered proportionate and reasonable.

Some comments were received about use of local newspapers. One Development, Property & Land Management sector & Agent and one Community and Individual response stated that local newspapers are no longer an effective method for publication, while one Community and Individual response highlighted that not every area has a local newspaper still in circulation.

Three Planning Authority responses suggested a publication notice excluding points b and c of the Draft Regulation 7, would be a more proportionate approach, given costs of press adverts.

Four Development, Property & Land Management sector & Agents and one Community and Individual response requested that a copy of the MCA scheme should also be available on the planning authority website.

Two Community and Individual responses wanted reference to community councils included within this regulation.

One Planning Authority, one Key Agency and other Public Sector and one Third Sector respondent requested that interested parties and neighbours are notified and should receive a copy of the notice.