A new two-tier strategy for planning enforcement could be introduced — with town, parish and community councils being asked to chip in.
With a current backlog of cases stretching into the hundreds and ever-increasing funding pressures, the Isle of Wight council (IWC) is looking at a new approach for its enforcement team.
Planning team can’t monitor everything
The Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) last week heard from the IWC planning team that it could not monitor everything, nor all the concerns of local councils, so they needed to make good use of resources.
In the seven months since April, 120 enforcement cases had been closed, thanks to a new team member helping to make a dent, but 154 cases had also been opened.
Overall, the IWC still had 382 active enforcement cases.
New system would allow the council to do better
The current system, officers said, was set up on a reactive basis, but the new one would allow the council to do better.
Although the core enforcement service, would still be be reactionary and open to all town, parish and community councils.
Paid-for discretionary service
Above that — provided at a cost to the local councils as a discretionary service — would be additional, proactive local enforcement.
The funding from the town, parish and community councils would then be used to fund more staff, providing a greater level of resource.
Newport trial
It is something Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council introduced last year and currently has a two-year trial with an officer working three days a week.
Officers were looking to start conversations with councils that were interested, to work out what their priorities were and how much it would then cost to get the extra help in their area.
The new enforcement strategy is set to come before the IWC’s cabinet in January for approval.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
