Dear all,
Being relatively new to the regulatory field, and still trying to find my
feet in the quagmire of regulation, guidance and internal procedures, I've
followed this debate with interest.
I've just looked at our planning list from a few weeks back. It contains 35
applications, of which "development-related" applications break down as
follows:
Extensions - 12
Conservatories - 5
Conversions - 1
New Development - 2
It's probably not fully representative, but it will do as an example.
My approach to new developments and conversions is to look at our records,
trade directories, historical maps etc and see if there are potential
on-site or off-site sources. If yes, then I ask for a DS, SI etc. If no, I
ask for a "watching brief" condition. However, I have taken the decision
not to consider extensions and conservatories - being the one and only CLO
(usual resource issue) I would simply not get time to review 17 DSs each
week (especially considering that many of them are of poor quality when they
do come in and require much negotiation with the author - an issue for
another rainy day perhaps...).
I realise that this opens up a potential can of worms, but I believe that it
adheres to the risk-based approach followed by other aspects of UK Con Land
policy...
As an aside, coming from a consultancy background I also get a bit confused
as to why developers are so resistant to producing a DS. Alright it might
cost them a couple of thousand pounds (for a good one), but if they bought
the land I am amazed that they didn't get one done in order to assess their
potential liabilities. In addition, a DS, with supporting letter from the
LA saying all is fine and discharging conditions, would be a useful thing
for the developer to put in a purchaser's pack - it would give comfort to
the purchaser that they could sell the property in the future.
Jason.
Jason Drake
Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Contaminated Land)
Environmental Protection Unit
City of York Council
9 St Leonard's Place
York
YO1 7ET
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Tel - (01904) 551533
Fax - (01904) 551590
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