Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

2.1       The Chairman explained that following a “soft” launch meetings of the Planning Committee were to be webcast live including that afternoon’s special meeting. Planning Committee meetings were to be filmed as part of a pilot project along with meetings of full Council, Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The pilot project was set to run until June 2009. Members were reminded to speak directly into their 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. The Chairman also explained that she fully understood that the application to be considered that afternoon was a controversial one and that a number of people present had contrasting views either in terms of opposition or support, however undue disruption of the meeting by any party present would not be tolerated. If such behaviour were to occur the meeting would be adjourned whilst the perpetrators were removed from the building.

2.2       The Clerk to the Committee explained that correspondence sent to those wishing to make representations at the meeting had included information to ensure that they were aware that the meeting was to be web-cast. Guidance had also been given relative to use of equipment available in the meeting room including operating instructions for the microphones.