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The significance of Councillor training in planning

Below you can see examples of support for Councillor training in planning:

"Planning legislation is complex and it is essential that Councillors have adequate training to enable them to apply the rules in a proper way to applications. Officer advice, however excellent, cannot be a substitute. We believe that basic training in the planning system, preferably provided by experts from outside the authority, should be compulsory for members of the planning committee. 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."
Report of the Nolan Committee on Standards of Conduct in Local Government in England, Scotland and Wales (1997)

“All Members of the council should receive training in planning matters, especially where there is a structure in place to allow decisions to be referred up to full Council or any possibility that they will be asked to stand in for a Member on the Planning Committee.   Members should be encouraged to keep their skills and knowledge up to date by attending training sessions on at least an annual basis.”
'Councillor Involvement in Planning Decisions' DCLG final report (2007)

“Local planning authorities should strongly encourage all new Councillors to attend training on the role of elected members as decision makers in the planning application process, complemented by continuing regular training, including refresher courses for more experienced councilors”
Killian Pretty Review (2008)

 “The LGA endorses the good practice of many councils which ensures that their Members receive training on the planning process when first serving on the planning committee. It also recommends that Members be updated regularly on changes to legislation or procedures. Such training is essential for those Members involved in making decisions on planning applications and on local development documents. Authorities should provide training on the planning processes for all members.”
Local Government Association, Probity in Planning (2009)