Training Programmes

Events held at the Madingley Hall, Cambridge

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):	8 Jun 2009 to 9 Jun 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £298.00 per person
Programme:	Workshops for Key Councillors on Planning/Development Control Committees
Discount Scheme:

The Interface between Cabinet/Executive, the Planning Committee and the Planning System

Council structures in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 have been established in most authorities. These are based on the concept of separating “executive” decision making from “policy making” and its “scrutiny” from “representation” among the functions of Councils and individual Councillors. The “Leader/Executive” model is the one adopted by most authorities.

The plan-making aspects of town planning, including the statutory development planning functions, are seen as coming within the ambit of the “executive”. However, development control is perceived as a “regulatory” function, to be handled by a Planning Committee or similar, operating in much the same way as previously. The interface between these functions is clearly an issue and has been frequently raised in discussions about the new form of authority decision-making structure.

In a separate though related development, some authorities have structured their organisations in recent years on the basis of functions such as policy/strategy, promotion/advocacy, regulation etc. This has also had implications for traditional “integrated” Planning Departments; it is now quite common for the policy aspects of statutory planning to be organisationally separate from development control.

This workshop focuses on the implications of these important issues for the operation of the planning service. It is aimed exclusively at key Councillors involved in the local government planning process.

Specific objectives of the workshop are:

to provide a reminder of the basic principles of local authority structures since the Local Government Act 2000 and how they affect planning
to briefly review the possible changes resulting from forthcoming legislation, policy announcements etc
to clarify the opportunities and the problems which contemporary structures present for the planning service and how these impinge on Councillors with special responsibilities
to explore different models for the planning service within local authority structures and how these may be evolving in practice; including especially:
- mechanisms for effective links between Councillors involved in policy development and those involved in development control decision making
- effective Councillor contribution to the development of planning policy generally
to develop techniques for handling particular problems faced by Portfolio Holders and Planning Committee Chairs.

Download a leaflet/booking form here

Presenters:	Steve Leach and Andrew Ashcroft
Course Type:	2 Day Workshop
Max. Numbers:	20
Date(s):	18 May 2009 to 19 May 2009 - Monkbar Hotel, York £298.00 per person 23 Nov 2009 to 24 Nov 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £298.00 per person
Programme:	Workshops for Key Councillors on Planning/Development Control Committees
Discount Scheme:

Securing Community and Infrastructure Funding through Planning Agreements and related mechanisms

Developers and/or land owners can make a lot of money if they can obtain planning permission or planning policy support for financially attractive development. The planning system in the UK has long struggled to establish reasonable and effective mechanisms for securing at least some of the benefits for the community.

Through the s106 agreement and related mechanisms, local authorities have been able to secure a range of direct benefits and financial contributions towards community services and facilities, and in this respect the planning system can become a significant driver of local regeneration and service provision. This is why Councillors are interested in these mechanisms, but also why they need to know how to make the most of them on the one hand and understand their limitations on the other.

The background is also changing. A decade of consideration of options (with several false starts in proposals which were then abandoned) is ending with the introduction of an additional mechanism, the Community Infrastructure Levy, which will operate alongside, not replace, the existing s106 provisions (although restrictions may be placed on the latter).

Experience of using planning agreements and similar funding mechanisms varies widely. Practice advice on the subject is neither as extensive or as clear as it might be, and many myths abound. The purpose of this Workshop is to demystify the subject and allow Councillors to focus on the critical aspects of successful practice, so that they can feed this experience into their authorities and, with the support of their officers and colleagues, make more effective use of the tools available.

More specific objectives of the workshop are:

to equip participants with a clear understanding of the background and context of s106 agreements and similar community funding mechanisms
to outline the essence of the Community Infrastructure Levy and its implications for local authorities
to compare how local authorities are organised for handling planning agreements, and the establishment of key points of good practice in this respect
to focus on the role of councillors in establishing and negotiating developer contributions
to consider the role of the community more generally and how councillors can involve it in the process
to encourage participants to go back to their authorities with some specific ideas in mind for making more effective use of the powers available.

Download a leaflet/booking form here

Presenters:	Lee Prebble and Nigel Eveleigh
Course Type:	2 Day Workshop
Max. Numbers:	20
Date(s):	12 Mar 2009 to 13 Mar 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £298.00 per person 22 Oct 2009 to 23 Oct 2009 - Monkbar Hotel, York £298.00 per person
Programme:	Workshops for Key Councillors on Planning/Development Control Committees
Discount Scheme:

Effective Planning Enforcement and Compliance

This workshop is aimed at Councillors involved in planning who want to:

know more about planning enforcement in general
find out when and how to take effective enforcement action
find out how other authorities operate and compare notes with other Councillors involved in planning
make effective use of their enforcement and compliance resources.

The workshop is specifically geared to the needs of Councillors in this specialist topic. Enforcement involves a lot of “grey areas”, it is tricky and sensitive to handle, and it is especially important to get things right. It is also a topic in which Councillors are interested, since “why can’t something be done about it?” is a frequent question asked of them by their electorate. With the new permitted development rules allowing more development to take place without explicit permission, this interest among the public and Councillors is likely to increase, so it is vital that Councillors are well informed.

Participants will:

briefly look at key differences/similarities in the various control regimes (development control, listed buildings, advertisements etc) operated in development control
get a better understanding of the complexities of the concepts of development and permitted development
examine the key elements of the enforcement process
consider when it is “expedient” to take action
compare how different authorities handle decision making on enforcement matters, especially the different approaches adopted by authorities represented on the workshop
look at the appeal process
compare how authorities organise their resources for monitoring, compliance and enforcement
consider what the move from Development Control to Development Management means in practical terms for “enforcement” .

Download a leaflet/booking form here

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	2 Day Workshop
Max. Numbers:	20
Date(s):	27 Apr 2009 to 28 Apr 2009 - Monkbar Hotel, York £298.00 per person 29 Oct 2009 to 30 Oct 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £298.00 per person
Programme:	Workshops for Key Councillors on Planning/Development Control Committees
Discount Scheme:

Negotiation concepts and skills for planning and development staff

Negotiation is one aspect of management to which planners are introduced at an early stage in their careers and where they have a lot of experience. They are in contact with a variety of agencies, developers, members of the public etc. in relation to development plan proposals, planning applications, planning briefs, implementation, planning gain and many other aspects of their work. This module equips them with the framework of concepts and skills to which they can relate their experience.

The module covers the significance of negotiation in town planning; when and when not to negotiate; the different approaches to negotiation and their implications; negotiation gambits and their application in practice; the power and personality dimension of negotiation; the role of information in negotiation. It establishes a much more systematic and rigorous, yet creative, approach to negotiation, based firmly on concepts but always related to the practical realities of planning/development situations.

The module makes especially extensive use of the participants' own involvement in negotiation at work, especially through the work-based assignments. This experience is integrated closely into the Tutorial Sessions.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the two Tutorial sessions are given below.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Please note that this module can also be used towards the Certificate for those attending the Planning Enforcement programme.

Presenters:	Trevor Roberts and Chris Weetman
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	19 Jan 2009 to 20 Jan 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 23 Feb 2009 to 24 Feb 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Supervision and leadership for planning and development staff

Town planners tend to be promoted into supervisory positions on the basis of their professional qualifications and experience, with little formal training in the supervisory dimension of management. This is a potentially critical weakness, clearly identified in the RTPI's study Shifting the Gaze. This module equips planners either in, or aspiring to, such positions with the relevant management knowledge and skills.

The module relates particularly to the planning field, where there is little in the way of "supervisory tradition". It covers all the basic principles and good practice in supervising and motivating staff. However, it focuses especially on how to handle difficult staff relationships systematically and positively, an area in which town planners usually have no training or experience. Experience of running this module indicates that this component has proved especially valuable to participants.

Unusually, the module also explores the much more diffuse concept of "leadership" as a form of staff supervision. This is of particular relevance these days, where senior managers are not merely expected to operate a service, they are also expected to institute change and to inspire its effective implementation.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Trevor Roberts and Chris Weetman
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	15 Oct 2009 to 16 Oct 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 30 Nov 2009 to 1 Dec 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Personal and organisational effectiveness in the planning and development field

This module uniquely focuses on the interface between personal management, managing other people and operating in an organisational context. While it aims to improve individual effectiveness and efficiency, this process invariably raises fundamental questions of management and organisational operation, addressing the barriers to effectiveness these present, and exploring the mechanisms for overcoming them.

It is therefore a key module for anyone involved in or relating to best value initiatives, since it provides the basic concepts for fundamental organisational and performance review; and for instituting improvement based on the principles of effectiveness, efficiency and economy.

It covers many practical aspects of personal management, including handling time pressures, paperwork, interruptions and crises etc. However, it goes beyond these into broader aspects of management such as delegation, communication, handling information etc. Crucially, it examines closely how things are managed in planning organisations (often described as the "organisational culture") and how organisational practice - as distinct from organisational structure - can be changed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The module is related to the practical realities of managing in a very busy, unpredictable work environment. The work based assignments and group exercises in the Tutorial Sessions reflect this practical concern.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Trevor Roberts and Chris Weetman
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	30 Mar 2009 to 31 Mar 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 18 May 2009 to 19 May 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Concepts/skills for managing teams, groups and meetings

Town planners operate extensively and increasingly in groups and teams - interaction with others is very much part of their professional make-up. One practical expression of this is heavy involvement in meetings.

This workshop develops an explicit understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of working with others in teams and meetings. It includes analysis of the types of teams/meetings in which planners are involved; the advantages/disadvantages of teamworking; different types of team and their relevance to various aspects of planning; team development and the application of team concepts; chairing and participating in meetings; problems and how these can be overcome.

Teamworking is in many ways the most sophisticated aspect of modern approaches to management. This module enables participants to understand what is involved and make the most effective use of the group and individual resources available to the organisation. At another level, it also covers a good deal of very practical material about meeting management, which can make clear and practical difference to the operation of planning services.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Chris Weetman
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	18 Jan 2010 to 19 Jan 2010 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 22 Feb 2010 to 23 Feb 2010 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Planning enforcement procedures and practical use of the toolkit

This module considers in detail the working practices of enforcement and how they can be improved. It is especially suited to experienced enforcement/development control staff and those responsible for managing enforcement.

Elements covered include enforcement strategies/action programmes; collection of evidence, cautioning, interviewing; security issues; third party evidence; remedies of breach of control; delegation of functions/proper authority; appropriate types of notice and their preparation; the "new formalism in planning" and other limitations on action; appeals/award of costs; defending against cost and compensation claims.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge; and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the next two Tutorial sessions are given below. Further details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	19 Jan 2009 to 20 Jan 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 23 Feb 2009 to 24 Feb 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Planning enforcement and material change of use

What constitutes a "material" change of use, and therefore statutory development subject to planning control, is a notorious "grey area" in planning enforcement. This module focuses exclusively on this topic, which is hardly ever considered in the level of detail required for effective action.

The module covers definitions and key tests to determine "materiality"; the nil use; mixed uses; the planning unit and curtilage; legal status of existing use; Certificates of Lawful Use and Development; intensification of use; sui generis uses; the Use Classes Order; recent and proposed changes; and recent case law relevant to the definition of material change of use.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge; and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the next two Tutorial sessions are given below. This module will also be run on 6 - 7 May & 9 - 10 June 2010. Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	1 Apr 2009 to 2 Apr 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 20 May 2009 to 21 May 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Planning enforcement and operational development

This module relates to the other major aspect of the statutory definition of "development" - building operations, mining operations, engineering operations, and "other" operations. It considers in detail the "grey areas" involved and the steps necessary for effective enforcement action.

Specific aspects covered include the definition of operational development in its different aspects; legal provisions and case law; exemptions, development orders, permitted development; immunity; enforcement notices and operational development; removal of unlawful development; listed building enforcement and prosecutions; Certificates of Lawful Operational Development; special tools e.g. Article 4 directions, revocation/modification, and completion notices.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge; and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates for the two Tutorial sessions are given below. The 2010 dates are: 6 - 7 October & 17 - 18 November.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	21 Oct 2009 to 22 Oct 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 2 Dec 2009 to 3 Dec 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Planning enforcement and advertisement control

Advertisement Control is an especially complex aspect of enforcement. This module covers the background to advertisement control; relevant legislation and case law; definitions; policy guidance on advertisements; recording, investigating and follow-up action on complaints relating to advertisements; enforcement powers and expediency in this aspect of enforcement; prosecutions; case studies; and proactive approaches.

This module is especially suitable to be undertaken individually by development control staff wishing to become more familiar with the advertisement control provisions.

It includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge; and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the two Tutorial Sessions are given below.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	21 Jan 2009 to 22 Jan 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 25 Feb 2009 to 26 Feb 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Key Principles of Planning and Enforcement

Key Principles of Planning and Enforcement is an excellent introduction to enforcement, suited to staff new to enforcement, whether qualified or not, who need to learn quickly in order to get on with the job. It is useful to established enforcement staff who may not previously have had much specific training, giving them a good framework for their practical experience. It is a valuable, though not essential, foundation for other modules.

The module covers the legislation and policy frameworks for enforcement, including the definition of development; what constitutes a breach of planning control; when it is expedient to take enforcement action. It considers what is effective and efficient enforcement; the ways in which local planning authorities carry out their enforcement functions(reactive and proactive); the roles of other parties in the process such as the Government, the Courts, the Ombudsman; and approaches to enforcement policy, handling of complaints and monitoring development.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, and succesful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the two Tutorial sessions are given below.

This module will be run again on 30 - 31 March & 18 - 19 May 2009. For further information contact Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Vivien Green
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	30 Mar 2009 to 31 Mar 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 18 May 2009 to 19 May 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

The Statutory Basis for Town Planning & Planning Support

This module is concerned with the detailed legislative processes and procedural aspects of decision making in planning and the role of support staff within these different areas. It is designed to develop a greater appreciation of how decisions are made and the more specific role of planning support in achieving them. It covers:

the legislation
- what the legislation says
- interpreting the legislation
delegated decisions
- why they exist
- how they are made
planning committees
- structures and procedures
- councillors
the decision making process
- material considerations in planning
- planning conditions
- planning obligations
- planning appeals
- environmental impact assessment.

Full details available on request - please telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Julie Carpenter and Stewart Glassar
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	6 Oct 2010 to 7 Oct 2010 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 17 Nov 2010 to 18 Nov 2010 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

The UK Planning Framework and the role of Planning Support within it

This is a broad module, which provides a history of town planning and support staff in the UK and outlines the issues facing the planning system and support staff in the future. Its aim is to provide an overview of planning and the planning system and to develop awareness of the environment and parameters within which planning support has to operate. The module is designed to help participants consider such issues as: what is meant by planning support; what are the "administrative" and "technical" functions of a planning department; and what do support staff need to fulfil their role.

Full details available on request - please telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Julie Carpenter
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	26 Jan 2009 to 27 Jan 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 25 Feb 2009 to 26 Feb 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Best Practice in Planning Support

This module aims to develop detailed knowledge and skills associated with the specific functions of planning support. In particular, it will look at different approaches and what might be regarded as best practice with regard to the role and functions of support staff. It covers:

Permitted Development and Use Classes
Validating planning applications
- application forms - validating an application - application fees
Consultation, Notifications and Publicity
- pre-application advice - General Procedure Order - neighbour notifications
Supporting the Local Development Framework
- research - analysis and forecasting techniques - community involvement.

Full details available on request - please telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Julie Carpenter
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	15 Oct 2009 to 16 Oct 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 30 Nov 2009 to 1 Dec 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Planning Support, Planning Performance and Customer Care

This module is intended to develop participants' knowledge of the management and organisational framework of planning departments and the issues surrounding customer care. It covers:

organising and managing planning support
- why planning support is important - procedures and administration and the Ombudsman - procedural guides and specification - organisational structures
monitoring planning performance
- Best Value and other monitoring regimes - monitoring planning performance - statistical returns
management of information
- provision of information - storage and retrieval - IT and GIS systems
customer care
- caring for the customer - reception and telephone systems - the organisation as a whole.

Download a leaflet/booking form here

Presenters:	Julie Carpenter
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	1 Apr 2009 to 2 Apr 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge 20 May 2009 to 21 May 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme:

Negotiation concepts and skills for planning and development staff

Negotiation is one aspect of management to which planners are introduced at an early stage in their careers and where they have a lot of experience. They are in contact with a variety of agencies, developers, members of the public etc in relation to development plan proposals, planning applications, planning briefs, implementation, planning gain and many other aspects of their work. This module equips them with the framework of concepts and skills to which they can relate their experience.

The module covers the significance of negotiation in town planning; when and when not to negotiate; the different approaches to negotiation and their implications; negotiation gambits and their application in practice; the power and personality dimension of negotiation; the role of information in negotiation. It establishes a much more systematic and rigorous, yet creative, approach to negotiation, based firmly on concepts but always related to practical realities of planning/development situations.

The module makes especially extensive use of the participants' own involvement in negotiation work, especially through the work based assignments. This experience is integrated closely into the Tutorial Sessions.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678.

Presenters:	Trevor Roberts and Chris Weetman
Course Type:	Certificated Course at Madingley Hall, Cambridge
Max. Numbers:	12
Date(s):	19 Jan 2009 to 20 Jan 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person 23 Feb 2009 to 24 Feb 2009 - Madingley Hall, Cambridge £795.00 per person
Programme:	University of Cambridge Certificated Courses
Discount Scheme: