WAVERLEY Council is poised to scrap changes to its system for handling planning applications, brought in two years ago under the Liberal Democrats. In the new year there will be a return to applications being decided by councillors who represent the actual locality involved in the plans under debate - a manifesto committment by the new Conservative council. The move represents a major U-turn on the system introduced when the four area committees were replaced by two much larger ones, with councillors selected from all areas. An initial six-month trial left councillors complaining that the new meetings had been long and poorly attended, with many councillors apparently disinterested when the agenda didn't include any applications from their own patch. The quality of decision-making at the end of marathon meetings was called into question, with a suggestion that plans were going through "on the nod". A full-scale review was undertaken and on Tuesday Waverley's ruling executive backed the suggestion that four area planning committees and a joint planning committee be created, with the aim of improving local councillor involvement in planning decisions. The Farnham area, together with Frensham, Dockenfield and Tilford, will fall in the western area, with Elstead and Thursley in central. "It is going to cost more money to do it and I think it is right we should spend the money for the sake of democracy," said Adam Taylor-Smith. It is proposed that the new structure be implemented from January 1 and reviewed in September. For major planning applications, the four committees will combine to form one joint planning management committee. Brian Ellis, portfolio holder for planning, said: "There is still much logistical work to be done to make sure that we can begin this new process from the new year, and in particular all councillors of the area planning committees will need to complete training in material planning considerations and enforcement before making decisions on the new committees. "We have consulted the town and parish councils with regard to these proposed changes and have received their support. "Setting up these area committees will ensure that all planning applications are handled by councillors who have a full knowledge and understanding of the area where the proposed development will take place, which should work in favour of all our residents."
