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NALC event explores how to improve the planning system for local councils
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) held its latest event on 22 November 2023, looking at how to make the planning system work for local (parish and town) councils.
The event highlighted how to improve the planning system to meet the local councils' needs, the challenges and opportunities they face, and the different approaches for improving community engagement, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring a fair and transparent planning process.
The panel featured Richard Blyth, head of policy and practice at the Royal Town Planning Institute, Cllr Sue Camp, chair of Sevenoaks Town Council Planning Committee, Cllr Sanchia Davidson, vice-chair and Cllr Helen Sunday, chair of Wing Parish Council.
Mr Blyth spoke about the council's vital role in the planning process. He said, "On applications, local councils are obliged to be consulted about all planning in their area".
Cllr Camp spoke about how her council benefitted from having the infrastructure in place to deal with planning. She stated, "Sevenoaks Town Council successfully deals with planning applications by holding their Planning Committee every two weeks".
Cllr Davidson and Cllr Sunday spoke about the neighbourhood plan introduced in Wing Parish Council to help control the future development of the village. Cllr Davidson commented on the importance of creating an excellent team to implement the plan. She said, "The team needs to be big enough to represent but small enough to function".
The event closed with the speakers answering what councils can do straight away to make the planning system work better for them. Mr Blyth indicated that different tiers of councils should work together. Cllr Camp answered, "Wearing my district-level hat, there needs to be a stronger policy for more affordable housing". Cllr Davidson raised the issue of the visibility of grants, stating, "Not many people are aware of grants you can apply for, or if they will happen. If anything were to change, it would be for the process to be easier".