Decision details

To award a contract to Holmesplanning for an interim Head of Planning for a 3 month duration

To provide service delivery to the Councils regulatory planning function (specifically development management and enforcement/compliance) following the departure of the current post holder (head of planning).  Maintaining capacity at this level was highlighted via the recent LGA/PAS peer review of the planning service.  We are awaiting the full peer review report and this will feed into our strategy for replacing the head of planning role.

Not to award contract – Resource is needed to support the management of the planning team following the departure of the current post holder on 3rd May 2023. Failure to recruit an interim replacement will leave the position vacant and staff without the level of support needed to deliver the planning service thus resulting in a drop in performance and capacity.

To appoint through a different recruitment agency – Holmesplanning has previously provided support to the Council and for a short term contract this provides familiarity to the team and councillors together with consistency of approach.

Contract will be managed by the Director of Communities & Economic Development, should there be a need for extension of contract then this will be fully reviewed within the context of any ongoing capacity issues, and budget and further decision made if required.

Finance – confirmation that budget available