Contact: Alun Trott, ext 6899

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

1. That, in accordance with an agreed timetable, approval be given to implement the following changes in delivery of the highway development control service:

(i) Strategic Planning Applications - amendments to Procedure Note 12 with a new protocol to enable the threshold levels above which the County Council is consulted to be increased;

(ii) Minor Planning Applications - amendments to Procedure Note 12 with a new protocol to enable the threshold levels above which the County Council is consulted to be increased, thereby giving the District Councils greater control over larger applications;

(iii) Section 106/278 Agreements - enable District Councils to take financial contributions of up to £50,000, as agents of the County Council, under a Section 106 Agreement, and Chief Officers to identify options for speeding up the completion of 106/278 Agreements including extension of current delegated powers;

(iv) Section 38 Agreements and Advance Payments Code -Undertake all Section 38 design checking and inspection through the Hampshire Highways Units;

(v) Design Checks - as a general guide, schemes over £100,000 to be checked by the Engineering Consultancy as at present. Schemes under £100,000 to be checked by Hampshire Highways Units; and

(vi) Land Charge Searches - the highway element of all land charge searches for the former island agency areas to be completed centrally by the County Council, with a move towards modernising the system in line with e-government initiatives.

2. That the Executive Member for Environment undertake discussions with individual District Councils, where requested, to discuss detailed implementation arrangements.

2. Reason

2.1 Following the termination of the formal Highway Agency arrangements with the district councils on 31 March 2002, it was decided that a management review should be carried out to consider the current procedures involving both the County and district councils in delivery of the highway aspects of major and minor development proposals, the design check and inspections of Section 38 and 278 Highway Agreements, and in response to the highway elements of land charge searches.

2.2 To provide a more efficient cost-effective service, the details of which are outlined in this report to the benefit of the stakeholders.

2.3 The Environment Policy Review Committee will have considered a report setting out the proposed changes on 21 July 2003 (copy attached) and Members' comments will be reported orally at the meeting.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A range of options were considered - a higher level of involvement for the district councils, the use of private sector partners and no change from the current system.

3.2 These were rejected on the grounds that they did not provide best financial value or achieve economies of scale. The proposed option aims to provide a consistent, efficient and transparent service.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

8123/WA