OWPC Services – improving the quality of life in the parish

OWPC wants to improve the quality of life and the environment for people in the parish. Councils may do almost anything provided they act lawfully. Parish councils can offer funding, equipment and premises, to help others provide services. Giving grants to parish organisations that run child care, services for the elderly, arts activities, pond clearance or sport can improve the quality of parish life.

OWPC Services - town and country planning

OWPC receives copies of planning applications and has the right to express its views to the authority. While the city council as the planning authority doesn’t have to agree, it must consider the parish view.

OWPC recommendations on a planning application must fit with the local development framework (LDF) e.g. the local plan, otherwise they will be ignored. The planning authority must, by law, be guided by the statutory documents in the LDF.

Central to the decision making process are material considerations - issues that are, in law, material or relevant to a planning application. Such matters must be taken into account when making a recommendation on a planning application.

Material considerations include:

• development plan documents in the LDF
• a site’s planning history (including earlier applications)
• accessibility
• traffic
• roads and parking
• archaeology
• a parish plan or design statement.

• area character and design impact
• human rights of neighbours to enjoy their home without detrimental effect

OWPC has a responsibility to represent the whole community – not just people with the loudest voices.