LLG Roundtable: Planning Committees

LLG would like to invite planning lawyers to a discursive roundtable to hear views on the government's proposals to planning committee's and decision making. 

This is a discussion about whether or not the proposals are favourably received, what problems might arise from them, and whether or not you agree with some of the statements made within the paper (such as a current lack of transparency in decision making).

The Government's working paper is entitled Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees within which several proposals are made to reform the way in which local authorities make planning decisions. 

You can read the document at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-reform-working-paper-planning-committees/planning-reform-working-paper-planning-committees#contents

The government want to propose the following which will require changes to primary legislation : -

1. a national scheme of delegation – bringing clarity and consistency to everyone about which applications get decided by officers and which by committees;
   b. dedicated committees for strategic development – allowing a dedicated and small group of councillors to dedicate energy to the most significant projects; and
   c. training for committee members – requiring that councillors undertake appropriate training before they can form part of a planning committee.

If you feel able to contribute- please do come along.