Training Programmes

Good Practice for Planning/Development Control Committees

This workshop is aimed exclusively at key Councillors involved in Planning/Development Control Committees (ie the Committee making decisions on planning applications and related matters) – in particular: chairs/vice-chairs of the Planning or Development Control Committee; Spokespersons on such Committees; those who chair or hold significant positions on Area Committees and possibly Planning Portfolio Holders. The workshop may also be of interest to senior planning, legal and administrative officers who are responsible for managing Committees.

Although the vast majority of planning decisions are taken by officers acting on behalf of the Council under a formal delegation scheme, some decisions, often the more controversial ones, are taken by the Planning/Development Control Committee. The way in which this Committee operates is highly sensitive, since even quite minor procedural deficiencies can raise the possibility of the legitimacy of decisions being challenged; and/or of references to the Local Government Ombudsman and Standards Boards. Furthermore, development control decisions can often be high-profile and also emotive, given the potential financial and non-monetary values that are at stake.

This makes the job of chairing a Planning/Development Control Committee especially awkward. It is not made easier by the fact that practice and procedures vary widely, and in the main are not subject to clear cut rules. This workshop aims to develop and disseminate best practice in this respect. It draws on TRA’s vast experience of training, advising and observing Planning/Development Control Committees. However it also draws on the experiences of participants, allowing and encouraging them to share their views and build on their collective knowledge. Its essence is an interaction among presenters and participants.

Specific "best practice" topics to be covered during the workshop include:

Size and structure of Committees
Schemes of delegation to officers
Pre Committee briefings etc
Public speaking at Committee
Member site inspections
Decision making at Committee
Decisions against officer advice.

Download a leaflet/booking form here

Presenters:	Trevor Roberts and Simon Rowberry
Course Type:	2 Day Workshop
Max. Numbers:	20
Date(s):	TBC...
Programme:	Workshops for Key Councillors on Planning/Development Control Committees
Discount Scheme:

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS:

"The workshop style of learning and participating with other members is very good and suitable for all. An excellent way of sharing issues and concerns as well as experiences with councillors from other authorities"

Cllr Dave Pickering, Rotherham MBC

"Very informative with sound advice and good comments. Good to hear of different practices with other authorities"

Cllr Carl Sherwood, North Lincolnshire Council

"Very comprehensive presentations. Thought provoking"

Cllr Mrs Glynis Barrie, North Tyneside MBC