Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were shared as listed above.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee.

The Chair noted that Cllr Gorton’s name had been misspelt in the minutes of the previous meeting, item 4 paragraph 6.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the meeting held 11^th September 2025 be agreed as a true and accurate record with Cllr Gorton’s name spelling corrected in item 4 paragraph 6.

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The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning introduced the report on the past 12 months planning enforcement regime and related performance, highlighting this had been streamlined and did not repeat background information provided in previous reports.

The Portfolio Holder emphasised that investigations into claimed breaches of planning control also did not always lead to enforcement action. He also referenced a dashboard that was being developed to help identify problem areas and help inform activity within the planning service.

Invited to speak, the Service Director for Planning added that the dashboard was providing an overview of complaints data such as the nature of claimed breaches and their geographical location in the borough as well as progress made in terms of investigation and any subsequent actions.

Cllr Gorton asked how the number of breaches reported compared to the one of the previous year as well as examples of actions to improve performance.

The Service Director for Planning advised that between 250 and 300 breaches were on average reported every year with a slightly upwards trend which showed that people were very aware of their surroundings and wanted things to be done properly.

In relation to performance, this was a reflection of the nature and complexity of breaches reported. Some of the cases could be quickly dismissed, while others could take up to twenty days to look into and determine next steps.

Resolved:     That the contents of the report be noted.

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The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning introduced the report on the progress made in developing a new Local Plan which was reaching the end of its current stage i.e. the consultation on the modifications / changes to the plan as suggested by the inspector.

The Service Director for Planning advised that at the time of the meeting 64 comments had been received with the deadline being the 17^th December. All comments received by then would be forwarded on to the inspector.

The Service Director added that the changes had been recommended to make the plan sound and that the Council had successfully fulfilled its legal duty to cooperate.

Resolved:     That the update on the progress of developing a new Local Plan for the Borough be noted.

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The Deputy Leader / Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced the report on the delivery of projects funded or part funded through Newcastle and Kidsgrove Town Deals as well as the Future High Street Funds for Newcastle Town Centre.

Cllr Grocott wished to thank officers especially for what was happening in Chesterton and the pictures included in the report which were appreciated.

Cllr Gorton asked if the works were on track in Astley Place.

The Deputy Chief Executive said these would be completed by the end of 2026.

Cllr Gorton added that the Keele project was a good example of successful partnership and a real asset for the town centre.

The Deputy Leader asked if works were on track in Keele.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded these would be completed by this time next year.

Resolved:     That the report on the delivery of the Town Deal and Future High Street Funds projects be noted.

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The Chair went through the items scheduled for the next meetings.

Resolved:     That the work programme be noted.

Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no questions received from members of the public.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.