Public invited to speak on plans

Members of the public are to be given the chance to have their say on planning proposals at council meetings in Plymouth.

The city council's planning committee is allowing interested parties to give their opinions for up to three minutes.

People will be allowed one opportunity to give their reasons for supporting or opposing any planning application.

The council says it is modernising the planning process to try to make it more accessible to the community.

'Good practice'

Those wishing to speak at meetings will have to let the council know in advance and give details of who they are, what the planning application is and whether they are for or against the proposals.

They will be given three minutes to speak, but they will not be allowed to use presentational aids, distribute papers, question staff or make offensive remarks.

Planning Committee chairman, Councillor Derick Bray, said: "Giving the public an opportunity to give their views or present their planning case to us is regarded as good practice.

"In the majority of cases applicants, supporters and objectors will be able to present their argument to us in writing as part of the normal planning application process.

"But public speaking at our committee meetings will provide a further opportunity for individuals to elaborate or address any points made in the report a planning officer has made to the committee."