Planning Applications – Speaking at East Suffolk Planning Committee Meetings
East Suffolk Council Planning Committee Meetings commence at 0900h in the Council Chamber at East Suffolk House.
How do I arrange to speak at the meeting?
You must be outside the Council Chamber from 8.30am onwards on the day of the meeting. An officer will ask which items you are interested in and whether you wish to speak. Anyone who arrives after 9am will lose the right to speak. It is the usual practice to consider items which people wish to speak on early in the meeting to avoid people waiting a long time.
What will happen when my item is considered?
The following order will usually apply:
- The planning officer makes his or her report, adding to, updating and illustrating the written report already circulated to Committee Members.
- The applicant (or a representative) can speak – for up to 3 minutes.
- One objector only is allowed to speak – for up to 3 minutes. (If several people wish to object you should agree, before the meeting, which person will speak for everyone). If this does not happen (or you cannot agree) then we will not be able to let you speak.
- A Town or Parish Council representative can speak – for up to 3 minutes.
- Ward Member(s) are allowed to speak but the length of time is at the discretion of the Chair.
- The Councillors who make up the Sub-Committee debate the matter (and may request further information of the planning officer) before coming to a decision.
Please note:
- The Chairman will tell you to stop speaking if you exceed the 3 minutes allowed.
- Speakers will not be permitted to ask questions; Sub-Committee Members are permitted to question speakers via the Chairman but only to clarify matters of fact.
- Those speaking will be asked to leave the public seats and occupy a seat especially set aside, before starting to speak. They will also be asked to say who they represent.
- The consideration of an application will not be delayed because someone who wishes to speak is unable to attend the meeting.
