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PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 •Anoverall ‘open for attitude business’ •Clearcommunications •Project management •Delivery ofgood quality • •Speedofdecision-making Foreword Foreword April 2016to March 2017. successes andachievements intheperiodfrom Council’s andsets outour planningservice The report reviews theoverall qualityofFalkirk elements ofourplanningservice: Performance Framework report captures thekey are essential to achieving this.ThisPlanning performance andacommitment  recognises that regular monitoring ofservice development intheright places. Council economic growth anddelivering highquality plays animportant role infacilitating sustainable An efficient andwell-functioning planningservice Certainty oftimescales, process andadvice and openengagement development to improve akr Page 28 Page 30 Performance Markers Workforce Information Part 6: Consideration ofNational HeadlineIndicators Official Statistics National HeadlineIndicators Table Part 5: National HeadlineIndicators Part 4: Improvements Service 2017-2018 Part 3: Defining andMeasuringaHigh�uality PlanningService Part 1: Feedback from Previous Report Introduction Contents oenne Page 19 Page 23 Page 09 Culture ofContinuous Improvement Governance andEngagement QualityofService vdne Supporting Evidence Part 2: ucms Page 03 Quality ofOutcomes Page 28 Page 27 Page 26 Page 03 Page 02 Page 01 Page 35 Page 34 Page 32 Contents

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 03. 02. 01. Introduction 1 City, Aberdeen Dunbartshire, East Falkirk, Lanarkshire, North – 4 Family  , of City provides details ofourworkforce. national headlineindicators, officialstatistics and information aboutourperformance inrelation to coming year. Lastly, thereport provides statistical what improvements we wishto achieve inthe supporting evidence. Thereport alsosets out performance across four areas ofactivitywith on ourfifthannualreport; assessment ofour Planning . Thereport includesfeedback provided to allplanningauthoritiesbyHeads of reference to thePPFtemplate andguidance annualreportOur sixth hasbeenproduced with benchmarking family to otherplanningauthoritieswithinourSOLACE the performance ofFalkirk Councilwithreference andtocritically review assessourplanningservice undertaken by Falkirk Councilinprevious years to PPFfollowsOur sixth onfrom thegood work acrosshigh qualityplanningservices thecountry. improvement inthedrive towards aconsistently of demonstrating commitment to continuous planning authoritiesproduce aPPFas means good practice andinnovative ideas.AllScottish the details oftheirperformance andshowcase opportunity for planningauthoritiesto set out and believes that thePPFprovides anexcellent performance hascome alongway inrecent years The Scottish Government recognises that planning providedplanning service by Falkirk Council. our work to maintain andimprove thequalityof to monitor ourperformance anddemonstrates work we have donefrom April2016to March 2017 Scottish Government. Thisdocument highlights the Planning Performance Framework (PPF)to the Falkirk Councilispleased Dunbartonshire, West 1 . to annual submititssixth City, Dundee City. Glasgow

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PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 06. 05. 04. Feedback fromPrevious Report Page 02 Council services. of planningguidanceandjoinedupworking across to thequalityofCouncilwebsite, theavailability focus was oftheservice recognised withreference Council was alsocommended. Thestrong customer Councils andofficers from across services the developers, infrastructure providers, Community workshops withamixofexternal agencies, school pupilsandcollege students, andstakeholder noted. Theengagement we have carried outwith for LDP2andconsultation withstakeholders was 2020.Ourprojectnew LDPinJanuary management LDP 2,andthat we are ontarget for adoption ofthe 2015; that work hasalready commenced on Local Development Plan(LDP)was adopted inJuly Scottish Government noted that theFalkirk Council concluded. subject to legal agreement to ensure decisionsare planning applications recommended for approval It was alsonoted that we now more closelymonitor ‘Submitting with submissionsincludingahelpful document, on thelikely additionalinformation required provides clearandeasilyaccessibleinformation Government commented that theCouncil’s website this isclearlypublicisedonourwebsite. Scottish agreements to allprospective applicants andthat improved. Itwas noted that we offer processing dealing withmajorapplications have substantially the national average andthat ourtimescales for and householderapplications are still within timescales for local non-householderapplications The Minister noted that ourdecisionmaking improve ourplanningservice. Council iscontinuing to doto monitor, maintain and very encouraging andsupportive ofthework Falkirk Falkirk is,asitwas last Councilplanningservice year, Scottish Government ontheperformance ofthe across theboard. Thefeedback received from noted that there have beengeneral improvements very pleased withthequalityofPPFreporting and us feedback inNovember 2016.TheMinister was Minister for Local Government gave andHousing, Government inJuly2016.Kevin Stewart MSP, 2015 to March 2016,was submitted to theScottish The Council’s fifthPPF, covering theperiodApril a Planning Application - What do

I need’. 08. 07. was positive. feedback we received from Aberdeen CityCouncil marking partner, Aberdeen CityCouncil.The our PPFwiththeassistance ofourSOLACE bench In additionto theMinisters comments we reviewed improved. the conclusion ofplanningobligations could be commented that they feel thetimescales for is proportionate. Scottish Government also additional information sought from applicants provided stronger evidence to demonstrate that Scottish Government felt that we could have slipped slightly from theprevious year. Also, within thenational average thetimescales had although ourdecisionmakingtimescales were it was because Scottish Government noted that applications. Where we received amberratings officers’; andourproject management ofplanning the continuing professional development of structure andcorporate working across services; members andallotherstakeholders; ourservice Development Plan;ourengagement withelected our work to ensures there isanupto date Local andseekcontinuousthe service improvement; included ouroverall work to review the qualityof The green ratings onwhichwe were commended the performance markers received ared rating. 12 green ratings and3amberratings. Noneof improvements inourperformance. We received Falkirk Councilprovides andrecognised the acknowledged thequalityofplanningservice Overall, thefeedback from Scottish Government 11. 10. 09. 1: Part Policy 2 supplementary-guidance/  http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/planning-building/planning-policy/ guidance onkey topics isavailable. authorities), afullandup-to-date set ofdetailed Wall whichisjointly prepared withotherplanning from supplementary guidanceontheAntonine Plan’s suite ofSupplementary Guidance (SG)(apart With thecompletion Local ofthe Development image. helped to foster adynamicandforward looking Forth Valley Royal Hospital andtheKelpies hasalso of contemporary designsuchastheFalkirk Wheel, the areas identity andconfidence. Agrowing body in ourtown centres, have helpedto re-establish Initiative andrecent andcontinuing regeneration Millennium Linkin2002,theFalkirk Greenspace Falkirk Town Centre inthe1980sand1990s, of many former industrial sites, regeneration of of regeneration. Thesuccessful redevelopment decline hasbeenfollowed by asustained period physical change over thelast forty years. Industrial The Falkirk Councilarea hasundergone enormous Supplementary Guidance(SG). in theFalkirk Local Development Plan(LDP)and design isapriorityfor theCouncilandisembedded Successful promoting placemakingand highquality design outcomes. of submissionsandnegotiations to achieve better starting to have real benefits interms ofquality planning applications andenquiries,are day-to-day discussionswithstakeholders on of theseSGs,they are now embeddedin and development planofficers ontheuse training sessionswithdevelopment management High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality ofOutcomes High QualityofDevelopmentontheGround 2 Following

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PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 1: Part Page 04 under of and (Scotland) Act1973andpermission issued. contribution. houses. elevational and Committee about because for The with towards planning that FUL) A from Councilservices. issues seeking A Guidance Use ofSupplementary Planning Case Study: supplementary assessed guidance reference written build Maggie convert Development planning a general permission consideration application legal SG13, sought the two the was that section advice Woods pre-application a of as open The to Council permission and potential agreement High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa houses Quality ofOutcomes High QualityofDevelopmentontheGround vacant ‘Open visited being should concerns treatment submitted. application relevant The enquiry minor applicant Manangement was informal was guidance. was space 69 Loan,

legal in Space within should the by former be provided granted impacts accordance of called changes raised LDP to agreement considered. subject the site, Falkirk provision of was the and agreed advice consultation secure (reference The the policy, one It be in hospital Planning subject listened of by New on was Local by received Unit grounds. to minded into the application of to nearby with various on to the a supplementary in was Development’. recommended the local the proposal. This contributions amendments in to proposals Government flats to building the open P/16/0510/ accordance Committee conclusion May concluded responses proposed proposed residents residents to planning Member included Informal by LDP and space grant 2016 was and The the on to to Pre-application Main points considered. and process policy, clear Whilst would nearby and of justification advice, needed get helped consultees a a clear potential understanding not the residents supplementary clarify what forum on provided understanding applicant be submission for contributions for seeking for allowed timescales at seeking advice the an all an was opportunity applicant of early views of contributions guidance the what of aware about contributions. an would stage the for applicant application, to information what planning of determination. and the be be relevant for the the sought Committee heard for mediation the to views process Council It and design views get also was LDP and and to of a 12. 1: Part 2017. presented to theCouncilfor approval by theendof April andMay 2017.Afinaliseddocument willbe groups andanon-linequestionnaire took placein meetings withstakeholders andlocal heritage consultation usingarange ofmechanismsincluding for external consultation inMarch 2017. External opportunities. Theconsultative draft was approved in thisnew strategy reflect current challenges and Falkirk andeight key themes.Theactionsproposed are linked to avisionfor thehistoric environment of priority actionsfor thenext five years; theseactions consultative draft strategy proposes aprogramme of draft Historic Environment Strategy for Falkirk. The inform OurFuture inthePast, theconsultative meetings withkey stakeholders took placeto In 2016and2017,development workshops and High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality ofOutcomes High QualityofDevelopmentontheGround DesignandLandscape Expertise 13. biodiversity issuesinadvance ofsubmissions. of thescope ofdesign,landscape, accessand that prospective applicants are fullyappraised stage isnow beinggiven greater emphasisto ensure Involvement ofspecialists at thepre-application providing supportto development management. biodiversity issues,ourcountryside rangers are now recourse to specialists inevery instance. For management officers to assessissueswithout Guidance, coupled withtraining, helps development stringencies, theavailability ofSupplementary resource increasingly constrained given financial value to planningoutcomes. However, withthis processing ofplanningapplications, andaddsreal biodiversity whichcan bedrawn oninthe conservation, landscape, outdoor accessand professional in-houseexpertise inurbandesign, continuesThe planningservice to benefit from Page 05

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 16. 15. • • • • • • • • Greenspace 14. 1: Part Page 06 Planning (SAQP) 2017. shortlisted for theScottish Awards for Qualityin The Open SpaceStrategyplanning service. hasbeen within thePlanning&Environment Unitofthe by the incorporation oftheparks client function planning anddelivery. Thishasbeenfacilitated Plan, givingitamuchgreater focus onaction has beenintegrated withtheParks Development accessibility standards to betested. TheStrategy complemented by GISanalytical tools whichallow underpinned by acomprehensive openspaceaudit Strategy inOctober 2016.Thenew strategy is The Counciladopted itssecond OpenSpace Environmental Management (CIEEM)awards 2017. at theChartered Institute ofEcology and knowledge sharingandstakeholder engagement period, received ‘HighlyCommended’for both entering thefinalyear ofits5year implementation The InnerForth Landscape Initiative, whichis during theyear include: continues to beimplemented. Somekey projects expression oftheCentral Scotland Green Network, The Falkirk Greenspace Strategy, whichisthelocal Landscape Initiative. biodiversity projects aspartoftheInnerForth Continuing implementation oflandscape and and network, with10.1kmofexisting path upgraded; A further11.4kmofpaths addedto theaccess secured; 10 bogrestoration projects identified andfunding Bo’ness withWIAT funding; Dorrator Woods, CamelonandDeanburnGlen, Woodland management works carried outat within AllandaleConservation Area; Open spaceimprovement andinterpretation Foreshore Local Nature Reserve; engagement activitiesat Carron DamsandKinneil Habitat management, interpretation and audit; school orchard planting andanallotment site Range ofcommunity growing projects including public artandinterpretation; including path creation, habitat enhancement, Improvements to MuirWay theJohn at Bo’ness High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality ofOutcomes High QualityofDevelopmentontheGround •  •  •  •  a highqualitypath network. Thishasincluded: Council extensive area. National coast Framework. the The area for some20years. Development and of creation, promoting access and Through John MuirWay Case Study: the Upgrading in local communities; Improvements Callendar Park have beencompleted; Work nearing completion; detailed Upgrading of Hallglen. John planning the path Central its south to Since in is and Falkirk partners coast and Development the Muir to available habitat designs work landscape Falkirk be its Scotland A the paths of around Central route applications 32 Way carried Plan Greenspace partners and two

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have in mile spur enhancement on from is the upgrading place crosses been sections Green policy Scotland improvement, the out a in stretch route was with main to part, Carriden the railway to on upgrade carried Iniative, Network, been the launched address the settlements National connecting are and

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of of of Forest identified Falkirk the on-going and assistance the the underpass to out successfully assessment and the surface woodland the Kinneil 134 of route Planning Strategy in outdoor Council Council by deliver routes which of width 2014 with mile as the the on of at in is a 18. 17. 1: Part Town Centres published onthewebsite, and photographs ofthevarious THIprojects are professionals have alsobeendelivered. Details Three training courses for contractors andbuilding started onsite inMay 2017andwillrunfor ayear. South African War MemorialonNewmarket Street, repair andrestore theWellington Statue andthe Realm together withacomplementary project to Cow Wynd. Amajorproject to upgrade thePublic front improvements to atraditional buildingat 6-8 comprehensive external fabric repairs andshop category Clisted buildingat 9-11Vicar Street and century Town Steeple, external repairs to the and restoration oftheCategory Alisted early19th Priority projects completed to date includerepair from theTHIgrants common fund. front improvements. Allfundinghasbeenallocated projects includingwindowreplacements andshop completed together withmany buildingrepair town centre; many priorityprojects have been the specialcharacter andappearance ofthehistoric Initiative (THI),now initsfourth year, isenhancing The £5.5MFalkirk Town Centre Townscape Heritage cells the agents to ensure best conservation practice. conservation These for discussions panels repair work 2016 Iniaitive. priority Falkirk Town Steeple Case Study: The and refurbishment for is a listed the major Town case and located works to and and town. project include Refurbishment Steeple building windows, clock High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa local Quality ofOutcomes High QualityofDevelopmentontheGround weather and decoration required in officer The and

landmark the the under repairs faces,

is consent. a vane. replacement Steeple submission building louvres, category have significant the to mechanisms www.falkirkthi.com of works In and stonework, worked addition The Townscape timber was are screens A important of listed case started being pre-application identified of an closely components timber two application and officer renovation building. and restored. Heritage in original symbol doors, bells, April with as sash and It a Page 07

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 19. 1: Part Page 08 will beremarketed oncompletion ofPhase1. featuring five publicartprojects. TheStage 2site car park.Thefinalelement isanew town square and community space,shopunitsandupgraded Delivered by theCouncil,thisincludesanew library regeneration project iscloseto completion. Phase 1ofthe£7.6mDenny Town Centre The different aspectsoftheongoing work.” News, Summer2017). support project community bring reflect Economic Provost 5 artists last year. community ideas The a ‘timeline’ofDenny etched inthetown square. “Five Denny Town Centre Case Study: with unveiled treasure Some have uniquedesign. throughout From work inDenny’s town centre. capable £170K images local Autumn that new alive of aspects and from trail of as Tom the High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Development Quality ofOutcomes Open forBusiness will project the community has panel pieces their the and projecting part Falkirk 2017, of designs feature town of played

Coleman, new text small ideas was of Denny is of the centre Community led the carved town established public an in statues; new are include lights helped by said: itself the ongoing important and being Falkirk artwork into spokesperson centre work art

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and each a posts to the Trust.” new used will to regeneration Council after will imagery; space. will feature part shape works recruit stone that soon staircase in help (Falkirk feature a in many local with and; The this will will the the are for be to a Antonine Wall 20. delivery in2018-2021. projects willbeworked upover thenext year for manager has beenappointed andarange of to helpinterpret andpromote theWall. Aproject application for Heritage Lottery Fund(HLF)funding the Councilhasbeensuccessful withaStage 1 and theotherauthoritiesalongAntonine Wall, In partnership withHistoric Environment Scotland 24. 23. 22. Contact 21. 1: Part resolved quickly. applications are invalid asitallows issuesto be found that thisisparticularlyhelpful where planning do nothave to wait for postal replies. We have acknowledged andanswered quicklyandcustomers by emailwhere available. Thisensures enquiriesare are returned timeously. Officers endeavour to reply We set earlydates for meetings andtelephone calls lead officers absence. knowledge ofthecase andbeableto assist inthe stakeholders to contact otherofficers whowill have When theleadofficerisunavailable thisallows teams withintheDevelopment Management Unit. controversial developments we alsoset up project applications received. However, for larger ormore correspondence andonourweekly lists of Case officercontact details are provided on from pre-application through to determination. Development Management Unitfor allapplicants We provide asinglepoint ofcontact withinour website isregularly reviewed andupdated. guidance isalsoprovided onourwebsite andthis receive free planningguidanceandadvice.Planning contact anofficerby telephone orinperson to whichallowsduty officerservice customers to The Development Management Unitoperates a and distributed onbusinesscards. which are publicisedincorrespondence andnoted work emailaddresses andtelephone numbers website. Officers alsoallhave theirown personal the planningpolicyunitwhichare publicisedonour for mailto thedevelopment management unitand suits thembest. We have general emailaddresses person. Customers can contact usintheway that can becontacted by email,by telephone andin for isopen The planningservice business.Officers High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Open forBusiness 26. Pre-application 25. 29. 28. Developer Contributions 27. clear andproportionate. ensure that requests for supportinginformation are information available onourwebsite helps to LDP, supplementary guidanceandotheruseful at thispre-application stage along withthe Early collaboration withapplicants andconsultees to allapplicants. project plansandprocessing agreements promoted during pre-application discussionsandtheuseof are allavailable to thepublic.Thisisreiterated supplementary guidanceanddetails ofprocedures information required withsubmissions.TheLDPand accessible information onthelikely additional resources. Ourwebsite provides clearandeasily and otherwebsites withuseful information and includes links to theScottish Government website can befound ontheCouncil’s website andthis application submissions.Adviceandguidance developments to majorandnational planning applications, from smallscale householder advice andoffer afree for service alltypesof We have apositive approach to pre-application Agreements’. 3/2012, ‘PlanningObligations andGoodNeighbour with Scottish Government guidanceinCircular are reasonable andproportionate andcomply with theDistrict Valuer to ensure that requests guidance. Statements are assessedinconsultation concern. Guidanceisprovided inoursupplementary development viabilitystatements where thisisa of development. We encourage thesubmissionof the potential impactofcontributions ontheviability The Councilrecognises developer concerns about are discussedandinformation reviewed. at whichcontributionother CouncilServices levels with Education,the planningservice Housingand There are regular officer where necessary. proportionate andcontributions are onlysought This ensures that requests for contributions are levels are assessedfor eachplanningapplication. for example, theschoolrolls andfuture predicted appropriate. Inrelation to education contributions levels are regularly checked andupdated as contributions are likely to berequired. Contribution set outfor developers thecircumstances where The LDPandsupplementary guidanceclearly liaison meetings chaired by Page 09

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 33. 32. 31. Flexible Team Working 30. 1: Part Page 10 development. maintain andto improve performance andstaff We willcontinue to review working practices to relationships withourvarious stakeholders. Council area andwhohave developed good working who have good general knowledge oftheFalkirk made upofanestablished team ofplanningofficers years. Asaconsequence thismeansthat theUnitis the Development Management Unitinrecent There hasbeenvery little making timescales. good householderplanningapplication decision across theCouncilarea andthishelps maintain dealing withhouseholderandlocal applications In additionwe have anofficerdedicated to mostly of delivery ifstaff are absent. promotes the sharingofinformation, discussionofissues, more complex orcontroversial cases, allows for These team working arrangements, particularlyfor general knowledge ofcase loadwithintheUnit. of officers andallows officers to have anoverall require. Thisassists theprofessional development across theteam areas asandwhenwork levels are basedinthesameopenplanofficeandwork into 2geographically basedteams butofficers The Development Management Unitisstructured staff High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Open forBusiness development movement ofstaff from and provides continuity Assisting Development Delivery 34. 35. • • •

the area. Key updates are asfollows: would fall otherwise onprospective developers in removing constraints andfinancialburdens which Falkirk andGrangemouth Investment Zones, and major infrastructure andenablingworks inthe continues to progress, withtheaimofdelivering The Council’s Tax Increment FinanceInitiative (TIF) •  The Councilhasalsobeen Enterprise. which isjointly fundedby theCouncilandScottish growth. Initially, abusinesscase isto beprepared infrastructure to supportsustainable economic to beexpanded to permitinvestment infurther across Scotland. Thiswould allow thescope ofTIF City DealsorGrowth Accelerators beingpursued investment zone status alongsimilarlinesto the Scottish Government withregard to achieving infrastructure to beundertaken in2017/18. works well advanced, andthemainphysical the programme, withdesignandpreparatory Improvements to M9Junction inform thisprocess. consultation meetings have beentaking placeto reached theoptioneering stage andstakeholder The Grangemouth FloodProtection Schemehas drainage strategy. including site investigation, autilitiesreview anda 2017. Otherpreparatory works are underway market theCouncil-owned sites inSeptember last year, agents have now beenappointed to Development Framework for theFalkirk Gateway Following thepreparation ofaPreliminary for 2018/19. Stadium andHelixsites, anddelivery programmed cycle movement between theFalkirk Gateway, with solutionsevolving to dealwith pedestrian/ Design oftheA9/A904 improvements isongoing, indiscussionwiththe 5are next in 37. 36. Certainty 1: Part variations inatimeousmanner. permissions, planningobligations andnonmaterial and existing permissionsandtheneedfor new impacts thishasonexisting planningobligations the developers andstakeholders to dealwiththe changes inthemarket. Officers are working with wish to amendproposals to take account of - KinglassFarm 1,167homes),thedevelopers commenced (Denny -Mydub 1,307homes,Bo’ness SGAs, where large housingdevelopments have At Denny SouthEast and determination timescales. prospective applicants andprovide certainty of been given inallcases inorder to andassist try Council to enter into processing agreements has application submissions.Thewillingnessofthe concerning theform andcontent offuture planning in pre-application discussionwiththeapplicants submitted for sites at Whitecross andofficers are Proposal ofApplication Noticeshave been aspirations, andcurrent development constraints. interested partiesto gain anunderstanding oftheir interest, theCouncilhasbeenmeeting withthe Whitecross, where there is still active developer are underreview aspartoftheLDP2process. At and Slamannanhasbeenlimited, andthesesites ‘stalled’ SGAsat Whitecross, Bo’ness Foreshore, Dennyloanhead SGAs.Progress withtheremaining critical to thedelivery ofboththeBanknockand to upgrade sliproads at M80Junction7,whichare to theHousingInfrastructure Fund for investment the permissionissued.TheCouncilhasputinabid the planningobligation hasbeenconcluded and negotiations withthelandowners andapplicants long standing legacy case. Following protracted site hasgained planningpermission.Thiswas a of theFalkirk Councilarea, theBanknockNorth was approved inNovember 2016.Inthewest Framework inconsultation withstakeholders which by theCouncil’s preparation ofaDevelopment of East, theprocess hasbeenassisted Canal Corridorare underconsideration. Inthecase two furtherSGAs,at Maddiston East andthe Falkirk delivering homes.Recent applications for partsof Growth Areas (SGA)are underconstruction and On housingdelivery, five oftheLDP’s 12Strategic High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Bo’ness SouthEast Page 11

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 39. Development Plan 38. Certainty 1: Part Page 12 options andchoices(see Case Study). helped stimulate debate inlocal communities about Again thedocument hasbeenwell received andhas with improvements to graphics andpresentation. largely followed theprevious template for LDP2, Government andstakeholders 5 years ago, sowe Development Plan was well received by theScottish preparation. OurMIRontheadopted Falkirk Local tool for consulting at theearlystages ofplan Falkirk Councilhasfound period andthemiddleofwinter. February to avoid consulting over theChristmas complete, andthenpublication was deferred to with elected members, whichtook sometimeto initially delayed to allow additionalconsultation 2016 Development PlanScheme.Theprocess was compared withtheprogramme set outinthe This represented aslippage ofsomefour months in December2016andpublishedFebruary 2017. (MIR) stage. TheMIRwas approved by theCouncil Development Plan(LDP2)to theMainIssuesReport progressing thereview oftheadopted Falkirk Local The focus ofthereporting year hasbeen There policy is LDP2 MainIssuesReport Case Study: to Building housing document. set promoted of the issues times. interactive interrogation version clear document. a allowing a very bring all out 11 clear and sites is facing issues and

in the comprehensive requirements liberal of on easy and well tables High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa through which Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService version The the experience document One site poses of the browsing attractive use presented’. logic MIR associated options

customer and are Falkirk of was the a currently mapping mapping of diagrams key through to theMIRaneffective from ‘call of viewed town and presentation life. are question, Council sites, An commented: site for LDP1, The well clearly development to online allocated at and is information. sites’ just zooming intended site the also area. the put photographs under under selection presented. end interactive exercise of LDP2 available together or Each the ‘This in of status which were 4000 MIR and and The key the of is is is 41. 40. paragraphs 51and53. provided inthe‘Customer Engagement’ sectionin out in2015.Anaccount oftheconsultation is engagement ontheadopted LDPwhichwe carried planning ofwhichwas influenced by thereview of took placebetween February andMay 2017,the An extensive consultation produced. Assessment (HRA)ComplianceStatement was also Directive point ofview, andaHabitat Regulations Council area isacomplex onefrom aHabitats trusted template from theadopted LDP. TheFalkirk published alongsidetheMIR,usingtriedand option development, andtheEnvironmental Report Assessment (SEA) process hasrunintandem with the emerging TheStrategic MIR. Environmental 2016 allowing thisinformation to befed into accorded robust and credible status inAugust The HousingNeedsandDemandAssessment was maps whichismucheasierto read andreference. to adesktop publishedreport withembedded has beenupgraded from abasictext document particular, theSite Assessment Technical Report LDP to make improvements to thesereports. In sought to usetheexperience oftheadopted in-house. Again theDevelopment Planteam has to supporttheMIR,allofwhichwere produced A fullsuite ofninetechnical reports were produced exercise ontheMIR Supplementary Guidance 42. Certainty 1: Part 44. 43. the Scottish Government: reporting year, three SGsreceived approval from authorities to progress thisfinalSG.Duringthe Wall. We are currently working withthepartner four otherplanningauthoritiesalongtheAntonine revision ofcurrent guidanceinpartnership withthe Antonine Wall World Heritage Site whichrequires a adopted LDP. Theonlyoutstanding SGrelates to the which were to beprepared inconjunction withthe programme ofSupplementary Guidance(SG) notes The Councilhasnowadopted 16outof17its are now available. Character Assessment andLandscape Designations) and Geodiversity Sites) and SG09(Landscape online versions ofSG08(Local Nature Conservation SG’s withembeddedspatial information. Interactive to enhancetheaccessibilityandusabilityofthose availableonline mapping, through ArcView Online, We have beenlookingat usingourinteractive proportionate approach. Open SpaceStrategy, andshouldresult inamore will seekto linkrequirements more closelyto the Development) andhave commenced areview. This open spaceset outinSG13(OpenSpaceandNew issues withthesystem offinancialcontributions to Development Plan Unit,we have identified some the Development Management Unitandthe In theshortterm, through consultation between and any applicable thresholds willbereviewed. document, andhave stated that contribution rates various SGondeveloper contributions into asingle for LDP2,we have proposed consolidating our delivery orviabilityofdevelopment. IntheMIR remain proportionate anddonotundulyimpede the SG’s set outdeveloper contributions, these guidance remains upto date andthat, where The Councilwishesto ensure that supplementary SG08 SG16 SG17 and Geodiversity Sites Local Nature Conservation Areas Buildings inConservation Buildings andNon-Listed Design Guidancefor Listed Renewable Energy High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService 2016 December April 2016 2016 November 45. individual parcels oflandwithintheSGA. to multipleownership andpressure to develop Strategic guidancewas particularlyneededdue Area (SGA)inconsultation withstakeholders. Framework for theMaddiston East Strategic Growth guidance, theCouncilhasprepared aDevelopment As regards non-statutory supplementary planning Page 13

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 48. 47. Development Management 46. Certainty 1: Part Page 14 offer advice,guidanceandsupportasrequired. reviewed by linemanagers to checkprogress andto Case officerworkload isregularly monitored and contacts withinthesamebuilding. location ofmany ofourprincipalcross service joined upapproach. We are assisted inthisby the enquiries andplanningapplications to ensure a whendealingwith with otherCouncilServices Government website. Inadditionwe work closely and links to useful resources, suchastheScottish Supplementary Guidance,otherplanningguidance to theLocal Development Planandasuite of accessible links ontheFalkirk Councilwebsite application submissions.Thisissupported by easily officers andwhat information isneededwith on ourwebsite aboutwhat we do, how to contact Weservice. alsoprovide clearandconcise guidance offering afree, extensive pre-application advice to stakeholders inanumberofways. Thisincludes seeksThe PlanningService to give certainty the officerrecommendation. applications were determined inaccordance with planning permissionandmore than98% planning applications received were granted During thereporting periodmore than98%of High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Legal Agreements 50. Processing Agreements 49. legal service. monitored by officers and intheplanningservice progress oflegal agreements to conclusion isclosely agents to facilitate thedrafting process. The provided to legal advisers by officers and applicants/ legal agreements sothat information allnecessary is instructions to draft planningobligations andother the application. There are templates for legal for theconclusion ofagreements orreview of of applications are framed to set timescales recommendations indelegated reports onhandling recommendations to thePlanningCommittee and order to reduce potential delay. Mindedto grant progressed at thesametimeasapplication in agreements are required theheadsofterms are Where planningobligations andotherlegal requests. received, consultation responses andinformation for determination, discussionofsubmissions enquiries. Thisincludesdiscussionoftimescales updates ontheprogress ofapplications and either inperson, by telephone oremailto provide include regular contact withapplicants/agents in theabsence offormal processing agreements are clear. Thelessformal arrangements we use properly managed andthat linesofcommunication that theprocessing ofplanningapplications is Council hasadequate processes inplaceto ensure applicants/agents appearto besatisfied that the developers to enter into agreements although appears however to beageneral reluctance from of ourwillingnessto enter into agreements. There discussions officers continue to advisedevelopers draft agreement. Inadditionduringpre-application website alongwithadownloadable template for a is information aboutprocessing agreements onour agreements onmajorandlocal applications. There We continue to encourage theuseofprocessing • • Customer Engagement • • 52. 51. 1: Part engagement. Key features included: determination to extend thescope andreach ofour of consultation ontheadopted LDP, andby our in theDevelopment PlanScheme,by ourreview plan was guidedby ourparticipation statement 10 February to 5May 2017.Theconsultation The MIRconsultation ran itself for 3months from the document priorto publication. major unforeseen issues,andmake adjustments to a useful mechanismto scope outinadvance any to thekey agencies for comment, andthisprovided within ourprogramme to circulate aworking draft Aswiththeadoptedthe MIR. LDP, we madetime to discusspotential options for taking forward into with members were heldthrough thelate summer Consultation and‘Callfor Sites’. Furthermeetings to review material submitted through theIssues of workshops were heldwithelected members of theMIR,inearlysummer2016,afurtherround Development Planteam. Duringthedevelopment This was abusy year for engagement for the page 16). venues across theCouncil area (seeCaseStudyon A roadshow consisting ofastaffed exhibition at which was includedinallmailings. A newsletter summarisingthecontent oftheMIR, consultation. loading’ Plan stage, contrary to theprincipleof‘front only undertaking the adopted uptheanomalyof LDPhadflagged Althoughnotrequiredin theMIR. by legislation, Neighbour notification for allnew preferred sites Council area. News whichgoes to every householdinthe community buildings,andanarticle intheFalkirk Twitter feed, posters inlocal shops and website, theLDPFacebook page, theCouncil’s some 3,000businessinterests, theCouncil’s feature intheFalkirk Businesse-zinereaching including amailingto some1,500customers, a Widespread publicitythrough avariety ofmedia High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Communications, Engagement and Customer Service Communications, EngagementandCustomerService such notification at the Proposed • • • • Case Studyonpage 16). the MIRandissuesittriesto address (see promoted ontheLDPFacebook page, introducing A shortfilm,available ontheweb site and individual written responses. email,post). Intotal,(e.g. there were 257 availability ofothertraditional response methods through theCouncil’s Consultation Hub,aswell as An onlineconsultation response facility, managed total attendance ofaround 30people. was taken upby four community councils, witha Briefings offered to allcommunity councils. This hosting to draw outcomment from all’. that ‘there was great encouragement from those development’. Abusinessrepresentative stated listen to othervery different perspectives on felt that they ‘gave themtheopportunityto opportunities, whilst acommunity councillor Council faces to helpconsider constraints and that ‘itwas good to heartheissuesthat the communities alike. Adeveloper commented were well received by agencies, developers and attendees across thetwo events. Theworkshops andcommunity councils,services witharound 50 infrastructure providers, different Council attended by developers, agencies, organisations, Two stakeholder workshops at CallendarHouse, Page 15

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 1: Part Page 16 the Facebook to process we of stills film much a particularly lot involved, flavour people, Main IssuesReport ShortFilm Case Study: As recorded through Facebook alone. where shopping similar successful through our participatory staff LDP1, across communities, To Main IssuesReport Roadshow Case Study: interest but Attendances many useful, withover 80%rating itas‘very useful’. who the with a individuals centres, staffed student the part of settlements, bring looked this LDP2 roadshow. event together, responded community resources. and of technical a production notwithstanding the most of of through level more allowed libraries ‘taster’ or whom the exhibition our the rather MIR. what animated page, centre High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa at Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Communications, Engagement and Customer Service Communications, EngagementandCustomerService at at query. a Council who successful at change budgeting engaging high ways of review engaging, Main the Forth which were Attendees local events.

content. To planning indicated film,

Over the and more

with planning

service with generally than For workshops Development of keep satisfaction in area, use schools community unaware Issues maps out Valley of a was intended 400 comprises which two in 10,500 large attempting in a short consultation consultation of particularly depth reduced costs We is to to that with colleagues voiceover. proposed. at conjunction people visual events, Three showing about had Report were College 17 that numbers we believe the film of views the were low, engagement a to rating: different the a halls, could Plan media. roadshow video focus generally and achieved to roadshow were availability give more supermarket/ we to we out LDP for the techniques, to of to it events accompany particularly This It team of recreation the partnered make convey has with people all join on engaged the footage, younger engaged put process. to This is people, growth specific venues issues was lower those areas been their local gave very took with with with film was our the the led of a a a 54. 53. year. Place Standard isplannedfor thenext reporting with pupilsat Grangemouth HighSchoolusingthe of thearea. Furtherclassroom basedengagement the second involved carrying outalegibilityanalysis prioritising improvements, usingthePlaceStandard; at thestrengths andweaknesses oftheHelixand use inadesignproject. Thefirst workshop looked to teach key planningskillsto some40children for Development Plan staff ran two outdoor workshops day involvingin theHelix’ alltheFalkirk schools. workshops withstudents, andtook part ina‘STEM High Schoolestablished through thepre-MIR team hasmaintained itsrelationship withLarbert On youth engagement, theDevelopment Plan visited theadopted LDPpage. customers accessedtheLDP2page and6,000 over thereporting year, around 5,000different was alsosuccessful indisseminating information; users, ofwhich534followed thelink.Theweb site post advertising theMIRconsultation reached 7,700 generated a50%increase infollowers. Ourinitial driven by interest intheMIRconsultation which our Facebook page hasexpanded over theyear, of whichthere were two thisyear. Thereach of is supplemented withbi-annualnewsletter mailings, preparation, monitoring andimplementation. This up to date information ondevelopment plan Facebook page are actively managed to provide and stakeholders, ourweb site andtheLDP ongoing communication withourcustomers In terms oftheDevelopment Planteam’s Complaints Procedures 58. PlainEnglish 57. Charters 56. E-Planning 55. 1: Part the national average. performance, asawhole,iscloseto orbetter than Our 2015/2016report highlights that theCouncil’s dealing withcomplaints isproduced andpublished. An annualreport on theCouncil’s performance in a Complaints Officers Working Group isinplace. has anominated leadofficerfor complaints and Ombudsman(SPSO).Each Services Councilservice follow themodeldeveloped by theScottish Public and thesecond beinginvestigation. Theprocedures 2 stage process, thefirst beingfrontline resolution are publicisedonourwebsite. Theprocedure isa The Councilhasacomplaints procedure anddetails attended thesecourses. period many officers have intheplanningservice rolled outacross theCouncil.Duringreporting report writingandtheuseofplainEnglishisbeing of plainEnglish.Attendance ontraining courses on intranet for allFalkirk Councilemployees ontheuse of users ofthesite. Guidanceisavailable onour a numberofdifferent formats to meet theneeds readers. Information ispublishedonourwebsite in English to ensure that information issuitable for all All publications are checked for theuseofplain website. standards. Thedocuments are publishedonour we do, how we doitandprovide clearmeasurable and thePlanningEnforcement Charter set outwhat years old.TheDevelopment Management Charter Planning Enforcement Charter are bothlessthan2 Our Development Management Charter and to information online. trend towards onlinesubmissionsandpublicaccess the last reporting periodandreflects thecontinuing submitted online.Thisisanincrease of11%since period 539(67%)ofplanningapplications were of planningapplications online.Duringthereporting We continue High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Communications, Engagement and Customer Service Communications, EngagementandCustomerService to encourage the electronic submission Page 17

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 61. 60. “Very helpfulandcourteous -application service “Iwasdelighted Ireceived withtheservice andwas wasfirst “Service class. Customer Service 59. 1: Part Page 18 communities. make sure we are meeting theneedsofour local issues. Thishelps usimprove and ourservices about theneedsoflocal communities andother feedback aswell asinformation onCouncilservices, three orfour surveys eachyear. Thesurveys provide than 1000local peoplevolunteering to complete Council hasestablished aCitizens Panel withmore projects across andservices theCouncil area. The people to bring andallotherCouncilservices service is publishedquarterly andisusedby theplanning The Falkirk Councilnewspaper, Falkirk CouncilNews, on what they would like to seeontheagenda. and we are seekingcomments from ourcustomers Our next workshop isplanned for September 2017 of issuesandto seekfeedback from ourcustomers. opportunity for officers to give updates onarange to thesecustomers. Theworkshops provide an and developers althoughnotspecifically targeted workshops are attended inthemainby agents standards customer service workshops. These The Councilholdsannual the comments we have received: be helpful, courteous andpolite. Theseare someof find development management representatives to who responded to oursurvey over 90%consistently planning decisionsandcorrespondence. Ofthose card survey questionnaires withallhard copies of email correspondence. We alsodistribute freepost customer survey questionnaire isprovided onstaff isperforming.planning service Alinkto our information from customers abouthow the Online surveys are routinely usedto collect processed promptly andefficiently” given excellent guidance.” news High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Quality of Service andEngagement Quality ofService Communications, Engagement and Customer Service Communications, EngagementandCustomerService and

information ” planning/building about Council policies, 62. and untidy areas ofprivate land. and alsoenforcement issuesrelated to abandoned spend ofplanningobligation financialcontributions working groups to dealwiththemonitoring and addition, we have established cross officer service educationCouncil housing, androads In services. continuing asare ourliaisonmeetings withthe representatives from SEPA andScottish Water are Scotland (HOPS).Ourregular liaisonmeetings with Management sub-groups oftheHeadsPlanning Group. We alsoparticipate intheDevelopment on theFalkirk Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) GroupAdvisory andhave planningrepresentation We continue to chairthe being common 179 the been legislative resolve health success. been officers Act A concern for local communities. maintained been aside condition expertise The Vacant andUnmaintained Property Case Study: is Falkirk consider In for action. notice the recourse to direct action. prison revealed working the being powers property of 1997, working vacant made decided case should a sentence the was and Council number from such This problem problem co-ordinated that of of Town of as tools group available and to a served officers for legal had the was group property amended. direct planning, where problem secure the

was a and received and property of

available been has identified number sites across owner services similar and from meets in that action Country to appropriate improvements been in a abandoned. Falkirk FloodLiaisonand and to the sites. poor housing, Denny. complied A this the these in complaints was of target to sites on Council budget to established be by Denny to years, was Council state. Planning the establish Having a officers serving required different look The that regular the to problem environmental Council investigations under with has Attempts had notbeen A property make but are area. reason section at about (Scotland) looked as a priorities involving been and services basis without without how causing lengthy being section use it There sites. why had had 179 has the the set to to of at a 65. 64. Efficient andEffective Making Decision 63. 1: Part project meetings. andahierarchyplans, clearlinesofreporting, of management approach, withproject andstage process continues to besubjectto aproject which meets onafour weekly cycle. TheLDP Guidance are reported to theCouncil’s Executive forward planningmatters, includingSupplementary debate anddecisionmakingat themeetings. Other processes andproposed policydirection. Thishelps are heldinadvance ofCouncilmeetings to explain meet project timescales. Briefings for Members meetings can beheldto expedite progress andto Council. Thismeets onasixweekly cycle butspecial isreservedDecision makingontheLDP to full applicants/agents can address theCommittee. Members notonthePlanningCommittee and The PlanningCommittee degree ofgreater publicscrutiny isjustified. larger andmore controversial applications where a small (lessthan5%)andisgenerally restricted to considered by thePlanningCommittee istherefore and thecall inavoided. Thenumberofapplications they may have aboutaproposal can beanswered applications to seeifany concerns orquestions discuss applications withofficers before calling in encouragesThe planningservice Members to who hasmadetherequest andtheirreasons. The applicant/agent isinformed ofthecall in, require that they must state theirplanningreasons. call inanapplication theCouncil’s Standing Orders weekly recommendation list. Where Members Planning Committee following publication ofthe determined by officers unlesscalled into the accordance withtheDevelopment Planto be for local andmajorapplications that are in Delegation (95.6%).Theschemeallows applications determined undertheCouncil’s Scheme of The majorityofplanning High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Governance Governance meets every four weeks. applications are Page 19

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 69. 68. 67. Effective Management Structures 1: Part Page 20 66. any difficulties. progress ofcases andto helpidentify andresolve jointly monitored by linemanagers to track the were they are neededmost. Officerworkloads are helps staff development butalsotargets resources Project teams are set upto allow joint working. This at pre-application orapplication submissionstage. resources. We identify key development proposals nature oflocal government andpressures on are relationships andrecognition ofareas ofwork that had positive benefits inrelation to closerworking Standards. Integration withbuildingstandards has on responsibility for themanagement ofBuilding restructured withtheDevelopment Manager taking Development Management Unithadbeen Within theprevious reporting periodthe Investment Zones. projects suchastheFalkirk andGrangemouth implementation ofkey strategic economic growth development economic strategy planning, and bring benefits interms ofcloserintegration of and asset management functions.Thisshould Division, alongsideeconomic development within anew Planning&Economic Development reporting now sits period,theplanningservice which came into effect shortlyafter theendof Under restructuring Development within Services emergency planningandwaste management. building standards, roads andtransportation and, economic development, environmental health, range ofrelated anddisciplinesincluding services Development Thisencompasses abroad Services. ofFalkirk ispart The planningservice Council Part 6:Workforce Information. the workforce isprovided for thereporting periodin team Unit we continue to recognise thevalue offlexible Services to theoperation ofFalkirk CouncilDevelopment co-ordination ofwork across theCouncilisintegral The effective management and common. working and High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Governance Governance the Within and Council its the importance as Development a whole.

given A breakdown Management the changing of 72. 71. 70. run by community planning. with participatory budgeting consultations being bringing together oftwo ofourMIRroad shows of resources. Anearlyexample ofthiswas the opportunities for greater collaboration andsharing working andmeetings are taking placeto explore However, there isrecognition oftheneed for closer information andprogress ontheirrespective plans. community planners met periodically to share planning. Historically, landuseplanners and working between spatial planningandcommunity Priority isalsobeinggiven to improving joint Collaboration withother wider greenspace strategy. allowing parks to beintegrated more fullyinto our & Environment Unithasbeenapositive benefit, integration oftheparks functionwithinthePlanning project development andimplementation, the the previous process. Interms ofenvironmental were ableto buildonlessonslearnedthrough to aqualityhigherthantheadopted LDP, aswe and associated consultation hasbeendelivered work. Nonetheless, theLDP2MainIssuesReport allocated, andthere isacloserfocus onprioritising of thereporting year. Workloads have beenre- through voluntary severance at thebeginning Development Planteam saw staff reduction Within thePlanning&Environment Unit,the projections. collaboration over thepreparation ofschoolroll formal liaisonmeetings, day-to-day dialogue,and education forward planningofficer through Planners have acloserelationship withtheCouncil’s meetings take place,aswell asday-to-day dialogue. residential development pressures. Formal liaison manage widespread schoolcapacity issuesand (Children’s on account Services), oftheneedto is aparticularfocus onliaisonwithEducation to beanessential partofeveryday working. There continuesCouncil services UnitandTeam Meetings 73. 1: Part the project planfor LDP2. meetings are heldonathree weekly cycle aspartof & Environment Unit,Development Planteam urgent issuesandinformation. WithinthePlanning required whichallow for thediscussionofmore Weekly team briefings alsotake placeasandwhen and otherinformation to becascaded to officers. work updates, discussionofperformance issues relayed to theUnits.TheseUnitmeetings allow for of seniormanagement team meetings are also senior managers. At theteam meetings theminutes with theminutes ofthemeetings circulated to staff. Thesemeetings are structured andminuted are heldonamonthly basisandattended by all Development Management Unitteam meetings High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Governance Governance FinancialManagement and Local Governance 77. 76. 75. 74. issue. flexible working encouraged to helpaddress this have beenredistributed, procedures amended and reduced through flexible retirement .Workloads not beingfilledandsomestaff working hours being resources have reduced asaresult ofvacant posts Within theDevelopment Management Unitour accountant.Planning Service undertaken between theUnitManagers andthe are followed. Regular monitoring ofbudgets is Forum. Councilprocurement rulesandprocedures by Internal AuditandtheCouncil’s Best Value and SchemeofDelegation andthrough monitoring guided by theCouncil’s Contract Standing Orders role isinmeeting theCouncil’s priorities.Spendis Plan ensures staff are clearwhat theirday to day Plan andCorporate Performance Plan.TheService Single Outcome Agreement, Strategic Community Priorities andobjectives are alignedthrough the are scored against theCouncil’s stated priorities. has ensured revenue andcapital budget bids working. Annualuseofbudget review templates knowledge andskillsinproblem solvingandflexible in aregulatory capacity andwithregard to our helping to deliver theobjectives oftheCouncil hasanimportantThe PlanningService role in background ofarevised structure. Council Service Council. Theseprojects willbedelivered against the review across ofbusinesssupportservices the improved mobileandflexible workingHQ, and projects suchasstrategic property reviews/Council isinvolvedServices inbusinesstransformation can deliver andhow we deliver it.Development significant change to what Development Services very challenging positionandthat itmay mean where possible.Itisrecognised that thisisa againits services inorder to deliver furthersavings £3 millionsavings for 2016/2017 andisreviewing Development hasidentified circa Services increasing demandwithreducing resources. Falkirk continues to grow ourchallenge isto meet budgets for local government. Asthepopulation of economic climate andincreasingly constrained delivered against thebackground ofachallenging strategic goals andoutcomes. Thisvisionmust be sets outavisionfor ourarea withanumberof The Falkirk CouncilCorporate Plan2012-2017 Page 21

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 79. PlanningObligations 78. 1: Part Page 22 minuted. are worded accordingly. Decisionsto reconsider are Committee andindelegated reports onhandling concluded. Recommendations to thePlanning planning obligation oragreement hasnotbeen agreements are reviewed after 6months ifthe subject to planningobligations and otherlegal Planning applications recommended for approval made more easilyaccessiblefor thepublicto view. Planning obligations are recorded andhave been in thebankingandspendingofmoniesreceived. the drafting ofobligations andwhoare involved identify levels ofcontribution, whoare involved in obligation contributions are required, whocan representatives from where services’ planning isestablished.planning service, Thegroup includes Planning Obligations Monitoring Group, ledby the legal agreements hasprogressed. Across Council monitoring ofallplanningobligations andother During thereporting periodrecording and High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Governance Governance Development Management Unit • • • • • • • 80. • last PPFandinclude: make inthisreporting periodwere set outinour improvements. Theimprovements we proposed to The Unithascontinued to implement service partners to share best practice. We have met withourSOLACE benchmarking place inSeptember 2017. arranged anditisanticipated that thiswilltake A furtherdeveloper/agent workshop isbeing permissions. We have commenced areview ofoldminerals information can bepublishedonline. available andwe are lookingat what other Planning obligations have beenmadepublically more information available to thepublic online. We are continuing to work towards making Council. financial circumstances for developers andthe totry assist developers inrecognition ofdifficult payments andissuesofdevelopment viabilityto requirements, thetimingofcontribution to beasflexible aspossiblewithcontribution associated planningobligations. We have sought principle applications for majorlandreleases with A numberoflegacy cases are planningin realistic prospect ofthedevelopment proceeding. a determination orare withdrawn ifthere isno Members to ensure cases can beprogressed to discussions withapplicants andagents andwith clearance ofthesecases hasinvolved detailed and willbereported inournext PPF. The cases. Thishassincebeenfurther reduced reporting periodthere were 6remaining legacy cases from 17to 11.At theendofcurrent period we hadreduced thenumberoflegacy legacy cases. At theendofourprevious reporting We are continuing to reduce thenumberof implement thischange whenwe can. need to reprioritise work. We still intend to of anenforcement officerpost andconsequent this change hasbeendelayed dueto thevacancy register available online.Progress inimplementing We have looked at ways to make ourenforcement unauthorised advertisements andflyposting to establish procedures for dealingwith We have contacted otherCouncilservices charter Review andpublication ofourenforcement 81. • • 1: Part substances. that reflect changes intheclassification of appropriate andreplaced withsinglenew consents ensure that oldconsents are revoked where consents inconsultation withsite operators to In addition,we are reviewing hazardous substances cross andCouncilworking. service This isfacilitated by regular Unitmeetings and in Councilstructure andotherissuesasthey arise. procedures isongoing to take account ofchanges Our review ofDevelopment Management that may alsorequire aplanning permission. planning permissionandany warrant approvals in drawings submitted for buildingwarrant and to identify at anearlystage any inconsistencies of BuildingWarrant applications are checked stage any issuesthat may arise.Theweekly lists enquiries andto identify anddiscussat anearly Roads andFloodingto discussapplications and between officers inDevelopment Management, Regular weekly meetings are now taking place Standards andRoads to alignconsent processes. We are reviewing procedures withBuilding High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Culture ofContinuousImprovement Page 23

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 • • • • Development PlanTeam 82. 1: Part Page 24 referred to previously inthereport andinclude: collaboration Thesehave withotherservices. been focused onnew technology andimproved implement improvements service particularly The Development Planteam hascontinued to participatory budgeting. with respect to joint consultation ontheMIR/ in relation to theSHIP, andCommunityPlanning Increased joint working withHousingServices the vacant andderelict landsurvey; and of theMIR,SGsandotherspatial data sets suchas mapping to improve theusabilityandaccessibility Continuing to roll outuseofonlineinteractive expand ourprogramme ofyouth engagement; Continuing useofcontacts inlocal schoolsto to engage theinterest ofawideraudience; Consultation Hub,andproduction ofashortfilm online response facility through theCouncil’s neighbour notification ofpreferred sites, an including useofsocialmedia,non-statutory Improvements to theMIRconsultation process High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Culture ofContinuousImprovement Staff Training andDevelopment 85. 84. 83. the Council. encouraged andacross withintheplanning service sharing information and knowledge continues to be Knowledge Hub isalsoencouraged. Aculture of database ofbooks andjournal articles.Useofthe withallofficersService, having accessto itshuge subscribes toplanning service theIdox Information are circulated anddiscussedat Unitmeetings. The Idox, Planning Aidfor Scotland (PAS) andothers meetings. Emailupdates from Scottish Government, ‘Local AuthorityUrbanDesignForum’ andHOPS also regularly attend RTPI Chapter events, the shared electronically withotherofficers. Officers reported backto staff at Unitmeetings andalso and report writing.Course details andnotes are procedures andpractice, andonplainEnglish for Councillors and officers onplanningreview viability. TheCouncilhasalsoruntraining events monitoring; Distict Valuer training ondevelopment Minerals PlanningGroup training onfinanceand Delivering DesignandPlaceQuality;Scottish Planning &Environmental Law (SPEL)Conference, Courses attended have includedtheScottish a range ofcourses duringthereporting period. Officers have intheplanningservice attended staff with personal development training needstoo. work related butthere are alsoresources to help as e-learningmaterial. Most oftheseresources are in different formats includingbooks, DVDs aswell in adifferent way. Learningmaterials are available people because they work flexible hours orlearn at training programmes can bedifficultfor some various levels. Itisalsorecognised that attendance Leadership andManagement (ILM)programmes at The Councilisaccredited to deliver theInstitute of leadership programmes. sessions to year longmanagement development/ managers. Opportunitiesrange from halfday IT on identified training needs andagreement of open to allemployees andattendance beingbased publicised inaquarterly bulletin, withaccessbeing to meet theseneeds.Theseprogrammes are as awholeandto provide training programmes the needsofemployees, andtheCouncil Services partnership to identify withallCouncilServices & Organisational Development Team work in and to develop careers. Falkirk CouncilEmployee learning to gain new skills,to improve performance The Councilrecognises needfor the lifelong Councillors 86. 1: Part will bereported inournext PPF. following thelocal government electionsinMay and Legal Membertraining Services. hastaken place from Roads thePlanningService, and Service These sessionswere organised andrunby officers Committee took placeinthereporting period. Training for new Members ofthePlanning High QualityPlanningService Defining andMeasuringa Culture ofContinuousImprovement Page 25

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 25.Falkirk THIwebsite 24.Falkirk Councilwebsite 23.Falkirk News 22.CouncilPerformance 21.Citizens Panel 21.Have your say: Aplanfor local involvement 2015–2018 20.Falkirk CouncilEmployee Handbook Performance 19.Service Plan2016–2019 18.Development Management Services Structure to 31March 2017 17.Complaints AnnualReport 2014-2015 16.Falkirk CouncilComplaints Procedure 15.Enforcement Charter 14.Development Management Charter 13.Standing Orders 12.Development Management Customer Survey 11.HousingLandAudit2017 10.OurFuture inthePast: Draft Historic Environment Strategy for Falkirk 9.OpenSpaceStrategy 8.Development PlanUpdate Newsletters 7.Supplementary Guidance 6.LDPFacebook Page 5.MIRFilm‘Shapingthe 4.MIRConsultation Plan 3.Falkirk Report LDP2MainIssues andinteractive mapping 2.Falkirk LDP2Project PlanandStage Plans 1.Development 2017 PlanScheme Part 1ofthisreport was compiled, drawing onevidence from thefollowing sources; 2: Part Page 26 Supporting Evidence Supporting Future ofourPlaces’ ImprovementDelivery ofourService Actionsin2016-17 In thecoming year we will: 3: Part Review ofDevelopmentManagement procedures. review procedurestoalignconsent processes. Commence projectwithBuilding StandardsandRoadsto best practice Meet withbenchmarkingpartner toreviewPPFandshare validation requirements Arrange afurtherdeveloper/agentworkshoponapplication Commence reviewofoldmineralspermissions application information Increase publicaccesstoelectronicallystoredplanning Continue toreducethenumberoflegacycases Make enforcementregisteravailableonline Create workinggrouponunauthorisedadvertisements Reformat EnforcementCharter Prepare areviewoftheBuiltHeritageStrategy Prepare MaddistonEastDevelopmentFramework Finalise andapprovetheOpenSpaceStrategy associated withLDP1 Complete theprogrammeofSupplementaryGuidance Publish andconsultontheMIRforLDP2 Committed Improvementsand Actions Training sessions onSG’s andnewlegislation Carry outareviewofimplementedplanningpermissions Arrange afurtherdeveloper/agentworkshoponapplicationvalidationrequirements Increase publicaccesstoelectronicallystoredplanningapplicationinformation Make enforcementregisteravailableonline Continue reviewofdevelopmentmanagementprocedures Meet withPPFbenchmarkingpartnerstoreviewandsharebestpractice Continue reviewofoldmineralspermissions Review ourPlanningCharter Develop closerworkingbetweenspatialandcommunityplanning Prepare 2yearupdatetoLDP1 Action Programme Complete reviewofSG13OpenSpaceandNewDevelopment Finalise HistoricEnvironmentStrategy Roll outinteractiveonlinemappingtoHousingLand Audit Analyse MIRresponsesandreportbacktocustomersthroughnewsletter Service Improvement Service Improvements2017-2018 Service

No. This pieceofworkisongoing. Yes. Yes. No. Workshop beingarrangedforSeptember2017. Yes. Yes butworkongoingtoincreasepublicaccessfurther. Yes. reprioritise workload. No. Completiondelayedduetostaff changesandneedto Yes. Work ongoingtorefineprocedures. Yes. Draft strategyprepared. Yes. Yes. jointly withotherauthorities. Yes. Only Antonine Wall SGoutstandingwhichisprepared Yes. Complete? September 2017 September 2017 Timescale October 2017 October 2017 August 2017 March 2017 March 2017 March 2018 March 2018 March 2017 March 2017 March 2018 March 2018 March 2018 July 2017 Page 27

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part Page 28

Employment landtake-upduringreportingyear Marketable employmentlandsupply Housing completionsoverthelast5years Housing approvals 5 -yeareffective housinglandsupply (toonedecimalplace) 5 -yearhousingsupplytarget 5 -yeareffective housinglandsupply Established housinglandsupply Effective LandSupplyandDeliveryofOutputs the year? Were developmentplanschemeengagement/consultationcommitmentsmetduring the pastyear? Has theexpecteddateofsubmissionplantoScottishMinisterschangedover plan scheme? Will theLDP bereplacedbyits5thanniversaryaccordingtocurrentdevelopment Age ofLDP atendofreportingperiod Development Planning Key Outcomes National HeadlineIndicatorsTable (4 monthsdelay) 2016-2017 20 months 2611 units 7912 units 2444 units 3375 units 1138 units 3.9 years Yes Yes Yes 268 ha 0 ha 2015-2016 8842 units 2320 units 3375 units 1086 units 3047 units 8 months 4.5 years Yes Yes No 290 ha 6.3 ha

4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part Time since enforcement charterpublished/reviewed • Numberremaining • Numbercleared duringreporting period Legacy cases • Householderdevelopments • Local developments (non-householder) • Majordevelopments Decision makingtimescales. Average numberofweekstodecision The percentageofapplicationsvaliduponreceipt Delegation rate Application approvalrate Percentage andnumberofmajorapplicationssubjecttoprocessingagreement Percentage andnumberofapplicationssubjecttopre-applicationadvice Development Management-ProjectPlanning Key Outcomes National HeadlineIndicatorsTable (published June 2016-2017 27.9% (171) 12 months 0% (0) 63.9% 95.6% 96.1% 2016) 7.2 10.3 60.2 6 7 2015-2016 20 months 36.7% 94.3% 94.9% 6.9 12.3 84.3 22 11 Page 29 1 -

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 89. Effective LandSupplyand Delivery ofOutputs 88. Development Plan 87. 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part Page 30 at Grangemouth. masterplanning exercise anddemolitionprogramme own efforts at theFalkirk Gateway andIneos’ to make theirsites available, notleast theCouncil’s landowners anddevelopers taking positive steps remains healthy. There are encouraging signsof factors andconstraints, buttheoverall total of marketable landdueto avariety ofsite specific employment landhaswritten down thequantity up onallocated sites thisyear. Thisyear’s auditof year, there hasbeennonew businesslandtake After theconsiderable level ofactivitylast completion figure. housing approvals continues, asdoesthefive year number offactors. Nonetheless theupward trend of some significant sites, whichisattributable to a to furtherprojected slippage inthestart dates of Audit, givingjust undera4year supply. Thisisdue just over 400unitssincelast year’s HousingLand The five year effective supplyhasdropped land by within thefive year timeframe oftheadopted LDP. of LDP2inMay 2020,whichisstill comfortably Christmas. Nonetheless, theDPSprojects adoption the consultation over thewinter periodstraddling elected Members, andadecisionnotto carry out to theneedto carry outextended consultation with 2016 Development PlanScheme(DPS),attributable delay compared withtheprogramme set outinthe completed inMay 2017.Thisrepresents a4month in February 2017andconsultation onthedocument continued, withtheMainIssuesReport published During thereporting year, work onLDP2has Consideration ofNationalHeadlineIndicators 93. 92. 91. Project Planning 90. Development Management 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part high. cases. Ourdelegation rate alsoremains consistently good progress to reduce thenumberoflegacy We are pleasedthat we are continuing to make applications within theoverall total. that thefigure can be skewed by asmallnumberof non-householder applications. Itisalso recognised priority beinggiven to majorapplications andlocal in householderperformance includinggreater factors that have affected thisvery smallchange than thenational average. There are anumber of increased by just under2 days itisstill better for decisionsonhouseholderdevelopments has by 2weeks andalthoughouraverage timescales non-householder developments have improved clear legacy cases. Ouraverage timescales for local although thefigure isstill skewed aswe continue to determine majordevelopments isstill improving since ourlast PPF. Theaverage numberofweeks to generally improve ourperformance timescales line managers isinherent andhashelpedusto Regular caseload monitoring by case officers and agreed. are met orwhere appropriate extensions oftime that may ariseto ensure that statutory timescales to identify andseekto resolve any planningissues maintain regular contact withtheapplicant/agent, submissions, responses andCommittee dates, to statutory consultees, to identify timescales for pre-application discussionswiththeapplicant and plans. Thisincludesacommitment to enter into and local developments we useinformal project website. However, withallapplications for major providing guidanceandasampletemplate onour proactive stance we take to encourage theiruseby enter There isacontinued reluctance from applicants to contact usinadvance ofsubmittingapplications. that developers andagents donot feel theneedto guidance we provide onourwebsite could besuch to anumberoffactors. For example thequalityof the reporting periodwhichcould beattributable application advice.Thispercentage hasdropped in applications where applicants have sought pre- are inplaceto record thepercentage ofplanning ispublicisedonourwebsite.service Procedures or for dealingwithgeneral planningenquiries.This Council doesnotcharge for pre-application advice andconsultees.other Councilservices Falkirk pre-application advicefrom theplanningservice, We encourage developers andagents to seek into formal Consideration ofNationalHeadlineIndicators processing agreements despite the 95. 94. high. cases. Ourdelegation rate alsoremains consistently good progress to reduce thenumberoflegacy We are pleasedthat we are continuing to make applications withintheoverall total. that thefigure can beskewed by asmallnumberof non-householder applications. Itisalsorecognised priority beinggiven to majorapplications andlocal in householderperformance includinggreater factors that have affected thisvery smallchange than thenational average. There are anumberof increased by just under2days itisstill better for decisionsonhouseholderdevelopments has by 2weeks andalthoughouraverage timescales non-householder developments have improved clear legacy cases. Ouraverage timescales for local although thefigure isstill skewed aswe continue to determine majordevelopments isstill improving since ourlast PPF. Theaverage numberofweeks to generally improve ourperformance timescales line managers isinherent andhashelpedusto Regular caseload monitoring by case officers and Page 31

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 *  **  A: Decision-makingtimescales (basedon‘all applications’ timescales) 5: Part Page 32 Local Reviews Local Major Planning/Legal Agreements Other Consents* EIA Developments Local: morethan2months Local: lessthan2months Local businessandindustry Major Business andIndustry Local: morethan2months Local: lessthan2months Local housingdevelopments Major Housing Developments Local: morethan2months Local: lessthan2months Householder Developments Local: morethan2months Local: lessthan2months (non- householder) Local Developments Major Developments Category  by CoalAuthorityorlicensedoperator underclasses60&62oftheGPDO. notifications anddirections underGPDOParts 6&relating to agricultural andforestry development andapplications for priorapproval consents, Established Use Certificates, certificates oflawfulness ofexisting useordevelopment, notification onoverhead electricitylines, Consents andcertificates: Listed buildingsandConservation area consents, Control ofAdvertisement consents, Hazardous Substances 1997 orsection69oftheLocal Government (Scotland) Act1973. Legal obligations associated withaplanningpermission;concluded undersection75oftheTown andCountry Planning(Scotland) Act OfficialStatistics **

Number of Decisions 2016-2017 30.2% 69.8% 44.1% 55.9% 94.9% Total 100% 5.1% 275 235 0% 59 12 18 20 95 2 7 2 0 2 1 2016-2017 2015-2016 Average Timescale 168.7 10.3 18.6 22.5 13.9 12.2 30.4 30.9 44.7 37.5 60.2 17.0 26.0 17.0 7.4 6.9 7.2 6.8 7.2 ------(weeks) 24.6 154.9 12.3 21.6 25.8 17.7 27.4 43.4 81.9 84.3 38.6 11.9 8.6 6.9 6.6 6.9 7.0 7.4 6.8 ------C: Enforcement Activity ***  D: Context B: Decision-making:Local Reviews andAppeals 5: Part Prosecutions Cases Resolved Breaches Identified Cases Taken Up Complaints lodged Appeals toScottishMinisters Type Local Reviews Reports toProcuratorFiscal Notices Served notices, andSection33notices. Enforcement notices;breach ofcondition notices;planningcontravention notices;stop notices;temporary stop notices;fixed penalty government resources we continue to strive to maintain andimprove performance andto adapt to change. Comments inrelation to decisionmakingtimescales are provided in Part 4ofthePPF. Inthecontext ofchanges inlocal *** OfficialStatistics Number of Decisions Total 12 6 No. 4 3 2015-2016 2014-2015 2016-2017 Original DecisionUpheld 135 143 82 88 0 0 1 33.3 % 50 2015-2016 No. 0 174 174 229 3 104 0 0 9 Page 33 50 0

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 Part 6: Part 1 Page 34 Head ofPlanningService LRB SiteVisits LRB Committee SiteVisits Planning Committees Full CouncilMeetings Committee andSiteVisits 50 andover 40-49 30-39 Under 30 Staff Age Profile Office Support/Clerical Other Planning Development Planning Enforcement Development Management  access Other planningcomprises landscape, biodiversity, urbandesign/conservation, greenspace, environmental policy/projects andoutdoor

Workforce asat31/3/16 Information 6 (DP),9(DM) 7 (DP),0(DM) 2 (DP),6(DM) 0 (DP),(DM) Number Managers/Team Leader No. Posts 0.3 1.3 0 3 9 (includes1pre-determinationhearing) Tier 1 Vacant 1 0 0 0 Number peryear Tier 2 No. Posts Main GradePosts 4.5 3.3 11 2 8 4 8 8 Tier 3 1 Vacant 1.4 0 0 Tier 4 No. Posts Technician Posts 0.5 1 0 2 Vacant 0.2 0.5 0 0 Office Support/Clerical No. Posts 4.5 Vacant 0.5 Total 13.2 5.6 2.0 5.0 6.8 Driving Improved Performance Markers Performance 1 6 4 3 2 5 Project Management: Decision Making: Performance Marker Continuous Improvement: Enforcement Charter: Legal Agreements: Early collaboration:

Council Response/Evidence Part 5:OfficialStatistics Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators PPF Reference: have veryslightlyreducedbyamatterofdaysbutarestillabovethenationalaverage. and localapplicationshaveimproved.Ourtimescalesforhouseholder National Headlineindicatorsshowthatouraveragetimescalesfordealingwithmajor Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part 3:Serviceimprovements Part 2:Supportingevidence Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: reduce thenumberoflegacycases,monitorcaseworkand toreviewourprocedures. For developmentmanagementtherehavebeencontinuing serviceimprovementsto colleagues. online interactivemapping,andjointworkingwithcommunity planningandhousing engagement asevidencedthroughtheMIRconsultationfor LDP2,youthengagement, For developmentplanning,therehavebeencontinuingimprovements incustomer relevant sectionsofthePPF. Progress onNationalHeadlineIndicatorsandServiceImprovementsaresetoutinthe Part 1:DefiningandmeasuringahighqualityplanningserviceCharters,paragraph56 PPF Reference: years. The CharterisuptodateandwillbereviewedbeforeJune2018. This iswithin2 Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Customer service,paragraph62 Development management,paragraph47 Supplementary guidance,paragraph43 Contact, pre-application,developercontributions,paragraphs21-29 Case study-Falkirk Town Steeple Case study-useofsupplementaryplanningguidance Part 1:DefiningandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservicePolicy PPF Reference: service. Guidanceisprovidedonourwebsite. We encourageearlydialoguewithapplicants/agentsandoffer afreepre-application Effective managementstructures,paragraph69 Legal agreements,paragraph50 Processing agreements,paragraph49 Development Management,paragraph48,paragraphs90-94 Flexible teamworking,paragraph30-33 Pre-application, paragraph25 Contact, paragraph23 Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators PPF Reference: correspondence withapplicantsandagents. on ourwebsite. Agreements areinvitedduringpre-applicationdiscussionsandin We promotetheuseofprocessingagreements. There isguidanceandatemplate Planning obligations,paragraphs78-79 Legal agreements,paragraph50 Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: determined within6months. applications arereportedbacktoPlanningCommitteeforreconsiderationifnot The progressofapplicationssubjecttolegalagreementsiscloselymonitoredand , paragraph11 Page 35

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017 Promoting thePlan-LedSystem Markers Performance Page 36 10 11 7 9 8     SPGs producedon advice, forexamplethrough Regular andproportionatepolicy plan preparation early (pre-MIR)indevelopment Scottish Government,engaged including industry, agencies and Cross-sector stakeholders, preparation (pre-MIR) indevelopmentplan Elected membersengagedearly     demonstrates nextLDP Development PlanScheme less than5yearssinceadoption Local DevelopmentPlan Performance Marker contributions Expected developer applications; and Information requiredtosupport timescale to bedeliveredplanned Project plannedandexpected 5 yearcycle On courseforadoptionwithin

Council Response/Evidence Part 2:Supportingevidence Paragraphs 42-45,47 Paragraphs 25-29 Paragraphs 9-11 andcasestudy Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: Space Strategyandaddressissuesofproportionalityinopen spacecontributions. Space andNewDevelopmenttorelatecontributionsmore closely tothenewOpen thresholds throughLDP2,andhasembarkedonanearlyreview ofSG13onOpen proportionality. The Councilhascommitted toreviewingcontributionratesand contributions, andhowthecontributionsarederived,thereby demonstrating on thecircumstancesinwhichcontributionswillberequired, thescaleofthose Those SGswhichsetoutrequireddevelopercontributions provide clearguidance chance ofpromptassessmentanddetermination. been consideredandaddressedpre-submission,togivetheapplicationhighest applications andchecklistsforapplicantstoensurethatalltherelevantissueshave Where relevanttheSGsprovideguidanceoninformationrequiredtosupport Unlisted PropertiesinConservation Areas, andRenewableEnergy. Nature ConservationandGeodiversitySites,DesignGuidanceforListedBuildings been preparedandapprovedduringthecourseofreportingyearcoverLocal natural heritage,andinfrastructuredevelopercontributions. The SGswhichhave implementation ofpolicy, particularly inrespectofdesignandplacemaking,built by theScottishGovernment.Overall,SGsprovideguidanceondetailed in associationwiththeadoptedLDP. 16SGdocumentshavenowbeenapproved The CouncilhascontinueditsprogrammeofpreparationSupplementaryGuidance Paragraphs 38-41,5154 Part 1Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: and thepublicusingavarietyoftechniques. stakeholders includingkeyagencies,business,housebuilders,communitycouncils Consultation ontheMIRtookplacefromFebruary2017toMaywithall Case studies Paragraphs 38-41,5154 Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: 2016 toexplorekeychoicesandprovideafurtheropportunityforinputtheprocess. Meetings wereheldwithasub-groupofthe Administration in August andSeptember MIR andtoreviewthepre-MIRissuesresponses‘callforsites’ submissions. Member workshopswereheldinJune2016toexamineoptionsforinclusionthe Paragraph 87 Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators Part 2:Supportingevidence Paragraphs 51-53 Paragraphs 38-45 Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: accommodated withinthe5yearcycle. that theCouncilhasembarkedonLDP2relativelyearlymeansthisdelaycanbe member inputandtoavoidconsultingontheMIRovermid-winter. However, thefact has beenafourmonthslippageintheLDP2programmetoallowtimeforextraelected DPS 2017indicatesadoptionofLDP2inMay2020.i.e.within5yeartimescale. There Part 4:NationalHeadlineIndicators PPF Reference: period. The LDP wasadoptedinJuly2015,and20monthsoldattheendofreporting Delivering Development andStreamliningSimplifying Markers Performance 14 13 12 15 services forcustomerbenefit services toimproveoutputsand Corporate workingacross Sharing GoodPractice: Performance Marker     expectations clear andproportionate Developer Contributions Stalled Sites Performance Marker In pre-applicationdiscussions and Set outindevelopmentplan : : Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: projects. that developercontributionsaretakenforwardandappliedtimeouslytorelevant colleagues fromplanning,finance,legalandthevariousdeliveryservicestoensure team. Inparalleltothis,thePlanningObligationsMonitoringGroupbringstogether enquiries. Regularliaisonhasalsonowbeenestablishedwiththecommunityplanning on daytoissues,includingcurrentplanningapplicationsandpre-application ensure theintegrationofplansandstrategies,sharinginformation,liaison housing, education,openspace,roadsandtransportplanningcemeteries. These Regular liaisonmeetingsbetweenplanningandotherrelevantservicesareheldon, Council Response/Evidence Council Response/Evidence Case study-useofsupplementaryplanningguidance Paragraph 11, 13,25-29,4245 Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: impact ondevelopmentviabilityandcashflow. of changingcircumstances.Whereappropriate,paymentsarephasedtomitigatethe Valuer. contributionsto takeaccount There isregularcorporateofficerliaisonregarding contributions ondevelopmentviabilityinliaisonwithapplicants/agentsandtheDistrict in pre-applicationdiscussionsandcorrespondence.We considerimpactofdeveloper 3/2012. The LDP andSGsarepublishedonourwebsite.Staff refertothedocuments We demonstratethatwherecontributions aresoughtthisisinaccordancewithcircular will besought,thescaleofthosecontributionsandhowtheyhavebeencalculated. Our LDP andSGsprovide clearguidanceonthecircumstancesinwhichcontributions Paragraph 11, 15,20,35,36,62,80,85 Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice Introduction, paragraph2 PPF Reference: PPF. our SOLACEbenchmarkingfamilymembersinreviewingpreviousandcurrent The KnowledgeHubisusedtoshareinformationandexperience.We haveliaisedwith Staff haveattendedforums,conferences,trainingeventsandRTPI Chapterevents. Paragraph 93 Part 4:Nationalheadlineindicators Part 3:Serviceimprovements Paragraph 36,78,79,80, Part 1:Definingandmeasuringahighqualityplanningservice PPF Reference: applicants/agents tofurtherreducethenumberoflegacycases of legacycaseshasreducedfrom28to11 to6.We arecontinuingtoworkwith During thepreviousreportingperiodandcurrentnumber Page 37

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017

PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Annual Report April 2016 - March 2017

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