Training for Councillors (England and Wales)
A Briefing on Planning for Town & Parish Councils
Our popular half day briefing session, aimed especially at Parish and Town Councillors and Clerks. The aim of the session is to help make a more effective contribution to the Development Management process.
The session aims:
- to familiarise participants with the overall framework of the planning system and where development control fits into this
- to explain the basic components of the development management process and where Parish/Town Councils fit in
- to explain some key concepts of the development management decision-making process, to enable Parish/Town Councils to relate to these effectively
- generally to clarify the potential for, and the limitation of, Parish/Town Council input.
The session overall will be conducted in a structured but informal manner, with the opportunity for questions. Concepts will be applied to one or two cases to reinforce key points. This workshop is designed to last half a day with a refreshment break but timings can be varied. For example, we have run sessions in the morning, afternoon or evening and also repeated the session several times over a series of days. We do however insist on enough time being allocated to cover the relevant material properly in a user friendly manner.
We use a variety of techniques, including:
- presentations, supported by visual aids as appropriate
- group discussions based on pre prepared case studies
- question and answer sessions
- straightforward course documentation.
The workshop is delivered by one of our team of Councillors training presenters.
Examples of participant feedback
As a new Councillor I found it extremely informative. The presenter was very enthusiastic and clear in his delivery. Councillor Gavin Porter, North Horsham Parish Council
The training was excellent. Clear delivery which was ideal for my 'novice' position in planning. The use of the case study was a great way of clarifying explanation. Shona Curtis, Rushden Town 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
Met my expectations in all aspects, with clear and concise explanations especially when allied to examples. A well organised and co-ordinated seminar. John Bunderla-Davies, Aldwick Parish Council
An excellent presentation. I am looking forward to perusing and revisiting all of the information provided at the end of the training session. I was impressed with the accurate time keeping! Councillor Sally Wilton, North Horsham 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
The presenter was excellent, covering all of the issues raised with in-depth knowledge and humour. He most certainly engaged with my Councillors, who in turn engaged well with eachother. Sue Kemp, Parish Council Clerk, North Horsham Council
As a very new Councillor on the Local Planning Committee it was very helpful and very enjoyable. Councillor Rita Wollford, Binfield 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
It surpassed my expectations. I particularly enjoyed the case study, it brought the training alive. Councillor Sandra Ingham, Warfield Parish Council
A thorough and concise workshop that did not stray too far into more complex issues. A challenging and effective case study. A very engaging speaker. Matthew Miller, Bracknell Forest Council
Interesting case study. Although I am not directly involved in the planning decision process it gave me more knowledge of it and the recent changes. Joanna Robertson, Crowthorne Parish Council