For general matters, see paragraphs 1-14 below. For speaking at development control (planning) meetings, see paragraphs 15-29.
You are welcome to speak for up to 5 minutes at any of the council, cabinet and other public committee meetings, including area forums which Democratic Services helps to organise. The only exception to the '5 minute rule' is at planning meetings (Development Control and Sites Inspection Committee meetings - go to paragraph 15 below).
1. All agenda have a slot called 'Items from the Public' - this is when you get your chance to speak directly to the councillors at the meeting (and possibly reach a wider audience via the press representatives who may also attend the meeting).
2. If you want to make a point at a meeting but feel nervous about speaking, we will read something out on your behalf if you ask us (see 6 below).
3. If you have copies of any paperwork you would like circulating at the meeting please tell us in advance and we will do it (see 6 below).
4. If you have any particular needs which need to be met to allow you to take advantage of our Items from the Public slot on the agenda, please contact us in advance of the meeting (see 6 below).
5. If you have any queries about attending and/or speaking at meetings please ring us on 01454 864117.
Is notice required?
7. Normally there is NO requirement to give us notice. The only exception is for the Public Rights of Way Committee when we do require 5 working days of notice to allow officers to prepare meaningful advice for the committee.
8. However, it usually helps the practical running of the meeting if you do let us know that you want to speak as soon as you can in advance of the meeting.
9. So if you want to speak, please ring us on 01454 864117 directly as soon as you decide you want to speak.
What happens at the meeting?
10. You are advised to come to the meeting 5 minutes before the start time and make yourself known to the Democratic Services officer who will familiarise you with the procedure which will be followed at the meeting.
11. You can speak about anything on the agenda or indeed anything within the remit of the meeting (planning committees are different).
13. You will have up to 5 minutes to speak, present a petition or make a written submission. Normally there will be no debate with you about what you say. However, councillors will have heard what you have said before they make any decision so, in that way, you have had an opportunity to influence them at the meeting. Once you have spoken you are free to leave the meeting at any time but you are also free to wait and see what, if any discussion or decision ensues.
14. If you present a petition to a meeting it will normally be referred to the executive (cabinet) member who is responsible and a response to the petition will be sent to you in due course.
Speaking at planning (Development Control) meetings
15. You are welcome to speak at any planning committee (officially known as 'Development Control') meetings. They consider planning applications and planning consultation issues. You can speak on any item on the agenda but nothing else.
16. All agenda have a slot called 'Items from the Public' - this is when you get your chance to speak directly to the councillors at the meeting (and possibly reach a wider audience via the press representatives who may also attend the meeting).
17. If you want to make a point at a meeting but feel nervous about speaking, we will read something out on your behalf if you ask us (see 20 below).
18. If you have copies of paperwork you would like circulating at the meeting please tell us in advance and we will do it (see 20 below).
19. If you have any particular needs which need to be met to allow you to take advantage of our 'Items from the Public' item on the agenda, please contact us on 01454 864117 in advance of the meeting.
20. If you have any queries about attending or speaking at meetings please ring 01454 864117.
Giving notice of your wish to speak (at planning committee meetings)
21. There is no requirement to give us notice. However, it usually helps the practical running of the meeting if you do let us know that you want to speak as soon as you can in advance of the meeting.
22. So, if you want to speak, please ring 01454 864117 as soon as you decide this.
What will happen at the (planning committee) meeting?
23. Speaking at planning committees is a bit different to doing so at other committees. By the time of the meeting, hopefully you will have already told us you are going to speak. Aim to be in the meeting venue's public gallery about 5 minutes before the published start time. Make yourself known to the Democratic Services officer and he or she will quickly run through the procedure and hopefully put you at your ease.
24. Members of the public speaking in favour of an application share 5 minutes and those objecting also share 5 minutes.
25. There is no debate on what you say. Members will listen to what you say and take it into account when they make their decisions. You are free to leave the meeting at any time once you have spoken.
26. For more detail ring 01454 864117.
Is it Development Control East or Development Control West?
27. It will make life easier if you know which planning committee you want to speak at before you contact us. There is an east and a west committee.
28. Planning applications referred to the committee beginning with the planning reference code 'PK' will be considered by Development Control (East) Committee which meets at Kingswood Civic Centre.
29. Planning applications referred to the committee beginning with the planning reference code 'PT' will be considered by Development Control (West) Committee which meets at Thornbury Council Offices, Castle Street, Thornbury.