Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Applications

Who decides whether to approve a planning application? Either an Elmbridge Planning Officer or the Elmbridge East Area Subcommittee. 'Householder applications will only be decided by East Area sub-committee if referred by an [Elmbridge] ward councillor or if they are on behalf of members, the council or officers of the council; otherwise, even if there are objections from 15+ households, or from CPC, the application will still be decided by a planning officer.'

source:Michael Collon's note for the Planning Committee, contained in Appendix 2 of the Agenda of the meeting held on 15th August 2024

Quorums at Meetings

What is the quorum for a meeting of the Parish Council? Three. 'No business may be transacted at a meeting unless at least one-third of the whole number of members of the Council are present and in no case shall the quorum of a meeting be less than three Councillors'

source:Standing Orders 3(v)

What is the quorum for a meeting of the Planning Committee? Three. 'The Council may appoint standing committees or other committees as may be necessary, and: viii. shall determine the place, notice requirements and quorum for a meeting of a committee and a sub-committee which, in both cases, shall be no less than three;'

source:Standing Orders 4(d)viii

What is the quorum for a meeting of the Environment, Highways and Transport Committee? Three. 'The Council may appoint standing committees or other committees as may be necessary, and: viii. shall determine the place, notice requirements and quorum for a meeting of a committee and a sub-committee which, in both cases, shall be no less than three;'

source:Standing Orders 4(d)viii

Secrecy

Can the Parish Council exclude the public from a meeting? The public can be excluded from individual items of business at a meeting. 'There are exceptions relating to when a meeting can be closed to the press and the public. These exceptions are when sensitive issues, such as legal, contractual, or staffing matters are discussed; in these cases, the council can agree to exclude the press and public from that single item of business. As a rule of thumb, the council should conduct as much of its business as possible with the public present, to ensure it is as transparent as possible.'

source:The Good Councillor's Guide 2024

Profligacy

Can the Parish Council give away taxpayers' money?

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Powers

What are the limits on the Parish Council's powers?

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Can the Parish Council give away taxpayers' money?

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