Training in Planning for Councillors

'All members of an authority's planning committee (or equivalent) should receive training in the planning system, either before serving on the committee, or as soon as possible after their appointment to the committee.'  (Committee on 'Standards in Public Life' 1997)[The Nolan Committee]

Elected members of local authorities or other government agencies often become involved with planning matters.  This may be as a result of local cases as Ward representatives, as members of planning committees or at council meetings and they may become involved as members of a council's executive.

Planning is a core activity in government and the Nolan Committee devoted an entire chapter to the planning system in its report on Standards in Public Life and made the key recommendation quoted above.  The Government responded with guidance to local authorities that has been developed in conjunction with the Local Government Association, the Improvement & Development Agency, and the Royal Town Planning Institute and that guidance is reflected in these seminars.

AIMS OF THE SEMINARS:

PPC has developed a variety of seminars and workshops for an increasing number of Local Authority clients to bring councillors and others up-to-date with the planning process and re-affirm the legal roles and responsibilities of councillors in particular.

Support materials, e.g. comprehensive handouts, are provided and most sessions are designed to include activities such as case studies or exercises: reference to local plans and policies is made wherever possible.  This interactive approach is usually the most effective and attracts the most complimentary feedback.

BESPOKE SEMINARS:

The sessions outlined are indicative of the nature and content of courses that PPC has delivered recently.  Most courses are designed for Councillors but Officers attending have responded very positively and courses such as ‘Planning Appeals’

All courses are flexible and can be amended, or alternatives agreed to suit the needs of individual clients.

FEEDBACK FROM DELEGATES:

COUNCILLOR COMMENTS

"VERY useful – should have had this 18 months ago (Could have changed one decision in my mind)."

"The whole of the two days has been one of the most enjoyable learning experiences I’ve had for ages.  Thank you!"

"Very good and just what was needed – pity we didn’t have this before I started on Planning Committee!"

"Excellent.  Better that we had ‘impartial’ presenters rather than Officer-led.  All material relevant & user friendly."

"Thank you for an extremely jargon free informative day."

"The best seminar I have been to."

"This seminar is excellent and will help me enormously."

"Once again it was an extremely interesting and stimulation presentation."

OFFICER COMMENTS

"Good – certainly the best training that Members of the Authority have had." – Development Control Team Leader

"Achieved objective of providing a well balanced and practical outlook on Planning & Development issues (including probity matters) to Members of the Planning Control Committee." – Planning & Highways Solicitor

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact Ron Harland for details of these and other tailor-made courses for Councillors and/or Officers.  Tel: 0191 252 3817 - Mobile: 07770 922570