Cardiff Post Article December 2006

During my seven years of office on Cardiff County Council, the most challenging arena for me as a member must be regarding planning applications.  For every resident who is happy, there is another one who is unhappy. 

 

I have served in the past on the planning committee and found it a worthwhile experience, but found that the outcomes were often met with sadness on occasions for the applicant and on other occasions by the objector and neighbours.

 

I thought it would be useful to talk in general terms about the planning process. Planning applications are far more likely to be uncontentious if neighbours speak to each other to discuss concerns before an application is submitted. Once an application is submitted, residents can object on a variety of planning reasons and these will be examined by the planning department. The Planning Department will give a recommendation that the application should either be granted or rejected and the application either goes to full Planning Committee or is decided by the Chairman and officers using their delegated powers. Any Councillor can ask for an application to be heard by the full Planning Committee. The 12 Planning Committee members generally do not give an opinion on a planning issue prior to hearing an application but they can declare an interest and speak for or against an application. If they do this they forfeit their right to vote on it.

 

If you are submitting a planning application or have concerns about a current application, please contact Cardiff 029 2087 2000 who will put you in touch with your local representative.

 

Greenhill Special School in Rhiwbina is trialling a new initiative and I have pleasure in telling residents about the service on offer.  Young people from the school, always accompanied by two qualified members of staff are available to undertake work such as gardening and window cleaning.  This service is completely free of charge.  If you are interested, and live in Rhiwbina, please contact me.

 

My colleague Adrian Robson and I have a ward surgery and coffee afternoon on Monday 6^th January, between 1.30pm – 3pm at Rhiwbina Library, Pen y Dre.  We are available to meet residents at any time in their own homes, and would ask residents to contact us using the details below to book a time.

 

Tel 029 2062 7757, Mobile 079 7001 3332, Fax 029 2087 7005, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to www.rhiwbinaward.com