Training for Councillors (England and Wales)
Good Practice for Planning/DM Committees
TRA has vast experience of training, advising and observing Planning/DM Committees and has identified examples of good practice, pitfalls and inconsistencies. Based on this experience, TRA has developed a training session specifically focused on ‘Good Practice for Committees’.
Aimed at Planning Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and other Councillors who are significantly involved in Planning/DM Committees; the session provides practical examples across a wide range of issues surrounding, in particular, the proper determination of planning applications by a local authority Committee.
Specific topics considered in terms of good/best practice include:
- delegation arrangements
- pre-committee meetings and briefings
- handling submissions received after Committee report publication (late information)
- public address at Committee
- handling the debate
- site visits/inspections
- decisions against officer advice.
This workshop is available as either a half or full day session; and works best with around 10-15 participants, although other group sizes would be considered.
We use a variety of techniques, including:
- presentations, supported by visual aids as appropriate
- group discussions
- pre-course and course questionnaires
- straight-forward course documentation.
The workshop is delivered by one of our experienced Councillor presenters.