Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

            Web casting of Planning Committee Meetings

176.1  The Chairman explained that afternoon’s meeting of the Planning Committee was being web-cast as part of the on-going pilot study which would run until June 2009.Members were reminded to speak directly into the microphones and to switch them off when they had finished speaking in order to ensure that they could be heard clearly both within the Council Chamber and the public gallery above.

176.2  Correspondence sent to those wishing to make representations at meetings included information stating that that meetings were being web-cast and guidance was given on the use of equipment available in the meeting room and operating instructions for the microphones.

176.3  The Head of Building Control explained that as a result of dialogue which had taken place with the Fire Authority it was considered appropriate to arrange a visit to the local headquarters in order that Members could be briefed regarding the role and responsibilities of the Fire Authority .The Chairman stated that all Members were encouraged to attend if they were able to do so. The meeting would be open to all Members of the Council and would take place on the morning of 17 March.  Final details would be confirmed nearer to that date.