The Planning Regulatory Board is made up of a number of BMBC elected members from all political groups. It is the meeting where applications for planning permission are presented to the members by a planning officer. The councillors discuss and debate the merits of the application and make a decision on acceptance or refusal of the proposal. This is a very formal meeting where councillors are required by law to act as an individual member without prejudice and can only refuse permission of an application on legal grounds of planning legislation.

The PRB meeting is attended by a legal officer and the head of planning who are there to give advice and make recommendations to the members. Other officers representing highways, environment and other relevant services may also be in attendance. Time is allowed at the meeting for applicants and objectors on each item presented to speak to the Board if they wish. They can state their case for or against the application with a view to influencing the final decision.

To object to a planning application write immediately stating your reasons and objections to BMBC planning department, or for help and advice contact Cllr Martin Dyson 01226 287056, Margaret Bruff 01226 388308.

Some planning applications, those which are deemed to be none controversial, are left to a delegated decision by officers. However every planning application is published on the BMBC web site.