Although the final decisions about planning applications and enforcement are made by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's professional town planning officers, parish councillors represent the community and are statutory consultees in the process. Barston's Planning Committee carries some weight in consultations. The committee is Chaired by Cllr. Robert Cookes and comprises as a minimum, an additional 2 of the 5 remaining parish councillors. Councillor's judgements and decisions are guided an adopted Community Character Assessment. Meetings are advertised on this website and noticeboards at least 3 days in advance and are open to the public. Parishioners may speak in support of, or against any application being considered on a published agenda for a maximum of 5 minutes by advanced arrangement with the clerk. Parishioners can make more limited comments at the Chairs invitation during a public forum featured on all agendas. Subsequently, agendas and minutes are published on this website.