Councillor Planning Skills Courses

The courses are designed for councils with new and serving councillors who need to know more about the fast changing planning agenda, develop their knowledge and expertise, increase their local contribution, and be effective contributors at Planning Committee.

We have designed two complementary one day training sessions for councillors which include thorough details of latest legislation affecting planning and the role of councils, as well as national, regional and local policies and process. These courses can be adapted to local needs, including targeting at particular local issues or challenges.


Planning Committee Essentials for Councillors

Planning Essentials for Councillors develops councillors in their vital role as effective Planning Committee members.

This one day course includes
  • understanding processes at all stages of planning applications and decision making
  • examining the several roles of councillors. Good practice in working with officers, and how councillors can maximise their contribution
  • particular focus on how decisions are taken at Planning Committees, and the factors behind good decision making for local communities
  • key challenges and risks in the planning process including probity issues, and planning appeal processes
  • learning from a detailed analysis of a practical example, to understand how Planning Committees can operate most effectively

Planning Policy Essentials for Councillors

Planning Policy Essentials for Councillors explains the critical role of elected members in setting policy to shape their communities and future planning decisions. The development of new and far sighted planning policies gives Councils and Councillors major opportunities to shape their communities for the future.

This one day course includes
  • provides a thorough grounding in national planning policy and Local Development Framework processes
  • assesses the changes following the end of Regional Spatial Strategy and regionally set targets for new homes
  • shares best practice in local plan development and strategic thinking, linking to core Council objectives and priorities, council Sustainable Community Strategies, joint working delivery with other councils, as well as delivering local priorities and protecting community identity.

Arranging courses for Councillors

These courses are arranged either as in-house courses for individual councils or jointly arranged for two to five councils at the same time, with the added benefit of sharing learning and practice across several neighbouring councils.

Wider challenges addressed in these training units include infrastructure funding, community involvement, links to economic development, and balancing growth with projected climate change and the need for major reductions in carbon emissions.

For further information please contact Lewis Herbert or call 0774 8536153

Courses have already been provided for councillors at:

  • Babergh District Council
  • Basildon District Council
  • Castle Point District Council
  • Essex County Council
  • Epping Forest District Council
  • Harlow District Council
  • Mid-Suffolk District Council
  • Rochford District Council
  • St Edmundsbury District Council
  • Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
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