Ryedale District Council launches ‘virtual’ meetings to deal with planning decisions

Ryedale District Council has held its first “virtual” planning meeting to allow members of the council’s planning committee to consider major and contentious applications despite lockdown restrictions.

In the usual course of events, most minor planning applications are decided by trained planning officers, under the council’s “scheme of delegation”.

Since March Ryedale District Council has paused in-person meetings, in line with government guidance around social distancing, and avoiding unnecessary travel. | Johnston Press resell

placeholder image — Since March Ryedale District Council has paused in-person meetings, in line with government guidance around social distancing, and avoiding unnecessary travel. | Johnston Press resell

However, all major and contentious applications are determined by members of the planning committee, who take a decision after considering representations from members of the public and other interested parties.

Councillor Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “It is very important that the planning system continues to run, despite the restrictions that are in place.”

For transparency, a recording of the meeting is available on the council’s website at: https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/planning/planning-applications/planning-consultation-meetings-during-urgency-powers.html