Speaking at planning committee meetings

Who can speak on a planning application?

Planning meetings are open to the public but only those that have registered to speak prior to the meeting may address the committee.

Only one person can speak in objection and one in support. The first person to register in each category will have the right to speak. Other interested parties will be encouraged to contact the registered speaker, where possible. However, any interested East Riding of Yorkshire Council councillor may also request permission to address the committee.

How do I register to speak on a planning application?

To register to speak on a planning application please contact a member of democratic services as below:

Planning Committee 

Email: jon.whyley@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: 01482 393207

Eastern Area Sub-Committee

Email: michelle.bennett@eastriding.gov.uk 

Telephone: 01482 393208

Western Area Sub-Committee

Email: jayne.dale@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: 01482 393201

The register will open one week before the committee meeting and will close at noon on the last working day before the meeting.

What is the time limit for speaking on an application?

Planning Committee

You can speak for a maximum of five minutes at planning committee meetings, unless:

• a pre-committee presentation by the speakers has already taken place; or
• the application was referred from Eastern or Western Area Planning Sub-Committee.
  

In these circumstances the time allowed will be three minutes.

Eastern or Western Area Planning Sub-Committees

You can speak for a maximum of three minutes at area sub-committee meetings.

Can I be filmed or photographed when speaking on an application?

Yes. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed when speaking on an application you must indicate this when registering to speak or inform the committee manager or chairman prior to the start of the meeting.

To read more visit the photography, filming and social media use page.

Can I bring people with me to the meeting?

Yes, you may bring family and friends to the meeting but they cannot address the committee.

Can I bring letters and photographs with me to display when I speak on an application?

No, you should rely on the information already submitted and no new documentary information of any nature, including photographs may be introduced.

Can someone speak on my behalf?

Yes, you can ask another person to speak on your behalf.

Can a ward councillor speak on my application?

Any interested East Riding of Yorkshire Council councillor may request permission to address the committee. However, if that councillor sits on the relevant planning committee and has publicly expressed an opinion about an application then he/she is prevented from voting and should leave the room after speaking.

Can a parish councillor speak on my application?

A parish councillor may speak on any application but only as a resident and not as a representative of the parish council.

How is the list of speakers decided?

Those items where people have come to speak will be taken first and usually in the order on the agenda. The speaker expressing a contrary view to the officer’s recommendation will speak first. However, in some circumstances it may be necessary to take these items out of order.

Where can I view more information on right to speak and procedures at planning committee meetings?

To find out more information on speaking on a planning application and procures at a planning committee meeting view the document below:

Public attendance and speaking at planning committees (pdf 171kb)