Training for Councillors
Some comments from Councillors and their officers
Councillors
Met my expectations completely, as a planning novice I have learnt a huge amount. After 5 years as a Councillor I have always shied away from planning but after today I shall put my name forward to sub for the committee. Cllr Kevin Bentley, Colchester BC
Well structured, liked the case study interaction - intergrating the theory and facts into "real life". Cllr Anthony Phillips, Stockton on Tees BC
Very well presented by a gifted and enthusiastic planner, as clear as it could be. Cllr Angela Lawrence, West Lindsey DC
Excellent session, maintained interest during a very long programme, confidence booster, would even like to go back on Development Control Committee! Cllr Marilyn Patrick, North Shrops DC
Good overall course, quite intense so you keep on the ball! Cllr Mrs J Maconachie, Arun DC
Easily understood. I have learnt a lot about the planning process. Cllr B Bates, South Staffordshire DC
Met all my expectations. Presented in a most understanding and enjoyable way. Cllr J Williams, South Staffordshire DC
You made a dull subject FUN. Cllr Roberts, North Somerset Council
Better than any before. Clear speaking kept me interested all the time. I am far clearer on planning details than I was before. Cllr Clarke, North Kesteven DC
I was most impressed by the content of the presentation and by the standard of the presentation by both of the presenters. They are obviously very au fait with their area of expertise and both very confident and polished in their presentation. Cllr Ambridge, North Kesteven DC
First rate day, very helpful for planning committee decisions. Cllr D Roberts, North Kesteven DC
Approached this workshop with the feeling of boredom. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt some important points on current planning issues. Cllr M Brighton, North Kesteven DC
This was a most interesting workshop. Members were engaged with the process and will now have a far better knowledge of officers' workloads. Cllr S James, Lewes DC
First class in focus and in providing a learning experience. Cllr D. Antrobus, Salford City Council
Varied presentation between the two presenters made the day dynamic. Questions answered and the case study was a useful tool. Cllr Sandiford, Rossendale BC
A good base for ensuring I know how to make a decision that will hold up to scrutiny. Councillor Tim Kent, Bristol City Council
Two years on the SDC this was by far the best training session I have attended. This should be mandatory for ALL councillors. Councillor JAC Forbes, Stroud District Council.
Met expectations, no waffle, excellent response to every question/issue, both raised beforehand and during discussions. Councillor John Elliottt, Scottish Borders Council
Fully coverd all aspects. Stimulated first class discussion. Councillor Jim Lowrie, Edinburgh City Council.
Officers
Thank you for the excellent two days of member training you gave us at the end of July. From the feedback at the time, and since, it is clear that our members derived great benefit from the thorough and entertaining presentations and the subsequent stimulation discussion. The material was cogent, apposite to local circumstances, and up-to-date. Colin Phillips, DC and Enforcement Manager, Barrow Borough Council
Excellent style, very human and warm approach, delivered with a sense of humour, experience of the presenter gives considerable gravitas to the training and good use of real life examples. Mark Bishop, Development Control Team Leader, Worcestershire County Council
Excellent, very accessible and pitched at the right level, case study was very good, good explanation of material considerations. Gary Collins, Area Planning Services Manager, Bristol City Council
Good combination of presentation styles – authoritative yet entertaining. Brian Taylor, Principal Planning Officer, North Wiltshire DC
A great day – extremely relevant and well presented. Chris Findley, Head of Planning, Salford City Council
Presentation style was interactive and kept councillors engaged. Chris Board, Principal Planning Officer, Colchester Borough Council
Parish Councillors
Exceeded expectations and the presenters made an excellent job of explaining clearly a complex subject, a most helpful discussion. Councillor J R Storer, Welbourn Parish Council
A most stimulating afternoon well planned and presented, bearing in mind our background knowledge is often limited. Certainly gives a deeper understanding of the complex nature of planning . Councillor John S Taylor, Tetford Parish Council
Covered the subject very clearly, a brilliant afternoon. Anything of a similar nature I would be interested in attending. Councillor G Rymer, Spilsby Town Council.
I found that the workshop content was very informative and the test planning application was very good in respect that it forced a great deal of comment. The groups came up with some varying views and interpretation of the local plan. Councillor Mark Spencer, Bracebridge Heath Parish Council
This was most informative and worth while time spent. I will recommend this to the rest of our council and look forward to the next session. Councillor Juneta Wilson, Chair of Billinghay Parish Council
Much more interesting and informative than I expected. Helpful in my understanding of the complications of planning, enjoyed the case study – very thought provoking. Councillor C Willinghorn, Billinghay Parish Council
Didn’t think that training on planning could be so enjoyable, Thank you. Councillor W Hart, Withern with Stain Parish Council
The use of a case study was excellent, involved every one present . Councillor A Hollamby, Mareham Le Fen Parish Council
