Proposals to change the planning committee structure within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being introduced ahead of the next full council meeting.
The new areas – Western BCP and an Eastern BCP – would allow more localised planning decisions and include 11 members for each committee.
The establishment of a Transport Advisory Group, which advises on traffic regulation orders and other transport-related matters, is also on the agenda at the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council meeting on Tuesday 9 January.
These recommendations follow discussions from the Constitution Review Working Group and the subsequent Audit and Governance Committee at the end of November 2023.
If approved, these proposals would change the council’s constitution, which sets out the rules and procedures which explain how council business is carried out and how decisions are made.
Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places said: “We made a promise to be an open, transparent and accountable Council and the proposed increase in member and public participation is evidence of that commitment in action.
“Reviewing the planning committee structure was part of that promise. The creation of a Western BCP and an Eastern BCP Planning Committee would allow for a more localised decision-making process with both committees meeting regularly to ensure consistency in the decisions being made.
“By introducing two committees we will encourage more community involvement and representation, with residents and ward councillors able to attend meetings that may have an impact on the area in which they live.
The Constitution Review Working Group also recommended the creation of a Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) which would deliver greater public engagement around Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO).