Issue - meetings

Councillor O’Farrell expressed his concerns regarding the process followed during the Development Plan meetings particularly in reference to Report 119/2022 and how it was considered.

The City Planner and the Meetings Administrator confirmed to the Members that the process adopted had been agreed by Group Leaders and was communicated to the Council by the Lord Mayor at the outset of the meeting. The process was in line with the approach adopted throughout the Development Plan process. The Law Agent had also reviewed the process and was satisfied that it was appropriate.

The City Planner confirmed that there would further opportunity for Councillors to submit motions on material changes to the Development Plan during the final stage of the process. He also agreed to discuss the possibility of extending the timeframe for submitting motions on the final report of the Development Plan with the Assistant Chief Executive. However, he cautioned that the timelines were statutory and there was little scope for significant revision.

The Meeting Administrator informed the meeting that during the Covid period and the transition to hybrid meetings it had been agreed that the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor would propose and second all reports. However, going forward she would seek proposers and seconders from the floor, which should assist in providing clarity to the Members in relation to the consideration of reports. She confirmed that the minutes of the Development Plan meeting would go before the October City Council in their current format.