ABSTRACT
Planning decisions are taken by elected representatives advised by their professional officers, with the exception of those decisions taken on behalf of the council by named officers who have delegated powers. The democratic process vests in the elected representatives the right to vary or ignore the recommendations of their professional staff. In considering individual planning applications, the elected body can take one of three actions. It can (s 70(1)): 1 grant permission unconditionally; 2 grant conditional permission; or 3 refuse permission.
