A long standing query from some here I know, I finally received an answer (from a planning officer and TV celebrity, no less) as to why an amendment with no material planning considerations requires approval..
..and it's somewhat similar to the reasons one might apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. That is to say, it confirms that the council are of the opinion that the change is non-material with regards to planning law and will not be taking any enforcement action in light of an approved scheme differing on the ground vs on paper.. And it provides an approved, published, official documentation for the same so that members of the public who might have cause to complain about a variation or deviation from approved plans can see the council's opinion before they start soaking up valuable planning officer time writing letters of complaint, and effectively forms a written statement from the council that they have agreed to a varied scheme being implemented.
I suppose if there's any question as to whether a change in context is material or nonmaterial and the council chooses to deal with it by way of an NMA it should also protect the implemntor from prosecution on the grounds that they have implemented a materially different scheme
..and it's somewhat similar to the reasons one might apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. That is to say, it confirms that the council are of the opinion that the change is non-material with regards to planning law and will not be taking any enforcement action in light of an approved scheme differing on the ground vs on paper.. And it provides an approved, published, official documentation for the same so that members of the public who might have cause to complain about a variation or deviation from approved plans can see the council's opinion before they start soaking up valuable planning officer time writing letters of complaint, and effectively forms a written statement from the council that they have agreed to a varied scheme being implemented.
I suppose if there's any question as to whether a change in context is material or nonmaterial and the council chooses to deal with it by way of an NMA it should also protect the implemntor from prosecution on the grounds that they have implemented a materially different scheme
