Planning Training for Councillors

Pre application discussions can be one of the most useful ways to gather information and give local feedback on planning proposals before they are submitted and become locked into decision making.  But many local councils are unfamiliar with the process or are worried about how and to what extent they can engage even when they would like to do so.

This two and a half hour training session will increase your understanding of the role pre application discussions play in the planning system and the practicalities involved.   Going beyond just ‘what you can and can’t do’ it looks at how to make the most of the opportunities they present, what can reasonably be expected of you and how to navigate some of the important issues they raise.

The training session lasts for 2.5 hours and is delivered by the Zoom platform.

The cost is £50 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £70 + VAT)

This session is aimed at parish clerks and councillors with planning responsibilities who want to understand the way in which representations on planning applications can be drafted efficiently and professionally.  It will give you an understanding of the way in which planning officers use consultee comments to determine an application and the terminology that will help to get your points across.  We also look at where to gather information about an application and which issues you should consider (and which to avoid) when your council is discussing a response.  Rather than planning policy, this session focuses on the practicalities of your involvement in the planning process and putting the right points across as effectively as possible.

The training session lasts for 2.5 hours and is delivered by the Zoom platform.

The cost is £50 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £70 + VAT)

This course is designed for councillors or officers participating in discussions about planning for the first time, or those with some practical experience who want to consolidate their knowledge and ensure that it is up to date.   It deals with the principles of how the planning system operates, how decisions are made and the role of town and parish councils in the process.

The course covers a lot of ground but our trainer ensures that it contains relevant and recent examples and plenty of scope for questions and answers.

The training session lasts for 2.5 hours and is delivered by the Zoom platform.

The cost is £50 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £70 + VAT)

All local councils need to be aware of the changes being made to the planning system by the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Act and updates to the National Planning Policy Framework.  These will have an impact on the way local plans are made, planning decisions are taken and on the role of neighbourhood plans.  Although it will be some time before they all take effect, understanding what the differences are and why they matter will help you to represent your community more effectively in discussions at every level.   The session will cover all of the major issues, including plan-making, housing numbers, biodiversity, enforcement and infrastructure funding and help you to prepare for what’s to come.

The course is aimed at councillors and council staff who have some familiarity with the current planning system and want to keep up to date with the way that it is going to change as a result of new legislation and government policy.

The training session lasts for 2.5 hours and is delivered by the Zoom platform.

The cost is £50 + VAT per person (Mulberry & Co internal audit client or Surrey & West Sussex CALC member rate)

(non-member rate – £70 + VAT)