In-house Training for Planning Support Staff
Comments from participants
The Basics of Planning:
- I wish I'd have had this level of training four years ago when I started out in planning! Denise Donaldson, West Lindsey DC
- Excellent programme. A friendly, knowledgeable trainer who took time to answer questions thoroughly. Stuart Humphreys, LB of Merton
- Enjoyed the course thoroughly. Planning is a vast topic and I'm sure I would benefit from further sessions/training. Presented to us in a great way. Elaine Ellis, Mansfield DC
- It was a good balance of activities and involvement along with viewing of slides and explanations. Good delivery. Very informative and relevant. Charlotte Singleton, Wealden DC
- I found the training very useful. The presenter was easy to understand and explained points thoroughly. Heather Kelly, West Lindsay DC.
Reception Framework and Skills:
- The course exceeded my expectations. Logical, practical, comprehensive. David Evans, Kirklees Council
- Delivered in a very easy way, easy to listen to and in a relaxed manner.
Permitted Development:
- Great course in a 'relaxed, easy to ask questions' environment. All information given was clear and understandable. I have gained a much better understanding of Permitted Development. Clare Gray, Boston Borough Council
- Excellent course. Should be compulsory for every new starter to the planning service. Very useful course, delivered in a clear and enthusiastic manner, would recommend to colleagues. Stuart Newlands, Aberdeenshire Council
- I enjoyed the course and learnt many valuable points to consider and things to look at when giving any advice. I also liked the fact that most issues delegates identified in pre-application were covered and cleared up. Samantha Bibby, Craven District Council
- Expertly and concisely presented. Extremely enjoyable course. Graham Avis, Wyre Borough Council
- Very useful and thought provoking over so many different issues. A really good 'thorough' insight into the world of PD! Brendan Gillespie, Sheffield City Council
- Invaluable! I didn't realise how little I knew. This new knowledge will be a great help in understanding planning applications. Lynda Mooney, Craven District Council.
The Essential Elements of Support for Planning and Listed Building Control:
- It was very interesting. It’s good to be away from work to have time to reflect and take in information without being interrupted. Dawn Paton, North York Moors National Park
- The workshop was very informative, would recommend to colleagues. Naomi Oriel, Pembrokeshire CC
- Did well to get so much into one day! Very clear explanation of complex issues. Learnt a few things outside the topic field which will also come in useful. Amie Baxter, East Northants
- Covered a wide variety of appropriate information and found entire content very useful. Some info that can be put to good use. Thank you. Sharon Weir, Northampton BC.
Supporting the Processing of Planning Applications:
- It was very informative. Lots of opportunity for discussion. The presenter was very enthusiastic and well informed. I would recommend this workshop to all LPAs, all levels of staff should attend as part of a refresher course. Liz Williamson, Braintree District Council
- Useful information on invalid applications, saving money on site notices/neighbour notifications. Group discussions generated a lot of debate and it was good to hear how other authorities process planning applications. Rachel Edney, Essex County Council
- Correctly paced - good mix of back to back basics and new information. Excellent and useful as always. TRA is always practical, useful and relevant. Natalie Banks, Braintree DC.
A Workshop on Validation:
- The workshop met my expectations and more. The presenter explained everything very well and the workshop was very interesting. Linda Morley, Broxtowe BC
- Even better than I expected. All questions were answered and very helpful and clear information was provided, thanks a lot! I was also grateful for the detail relating to my concerns and for the guidance given directly to me. Sarah Booth, Erewash BC
- Very interesting and informative. Very nice to have a course in 'plain English'. Would recommend to my planning colleagues. Sarah Wheeler, East Hampshire DC
- The event raised some very interesting questions about the way we work currently and ways in which we could adapt in the future. It was interesting that even for those officers that regularly work in validation there were lessons to be learnt in how to do things differently but also how to feel more empowered in their work. An enjoyable day and very well presented, there was a good informal atmosphere which made participants relaxed and able to ask questions throughout. Oliver Fytche-Taylor, West Lindsay DC
- Was better and more in depth than what I expected, with many useful aspects covered. Useful links to further documents and info also given which will be useful to my department. Richard Collins, Peak District NPA
- My expectations were exceeded - it not only addressed Validation clearly but also addressed other planning matters which were raised. Gareth Griffiths, Derbyshire Dales DC
- Met all expectations and more. I would highly recommend the course to other support officers. Kathie Batley, North East Derbyshire DC.