Planning in Plain English

Gail Boyle, a parish councillor with extensive practical experience in planning matters, offers a two-hour course designed to help fellow councillors navigate the complexities of the planning system. With a focus on accessibility and practical application, Gail covers the following topics:

  • Effective strategies for councillors to influence the planning system

  • Practical exercise: understanding planning permissions (Permitted or Permission?)

  • Where to find help and essential information sources

  • Explaining the planning system without jargon

  • Understanding the planning framework and local council engagement

  • How to construct relevant and contextually appropriate responses

  • Practical exercise: differentiating material from non-material considerations

  • Efficient use of time and key documents for councillors

  • Keeping up to date with upcoming changes in the planning system

The fee is £45 for the 2-two-hour online, trainer-led session.

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Revisions to the NPPF and an introduction to the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill

This one-hour session, presented by Gail Boyle, explains reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (12 December 2024) and the wide-reaching consequences these will potentially have for every council and community. The session will:

  • Explain the role of the NPPF in the planning process and how these matters are relevant to the work of town and parish councils

  • Outline the main changes that affect local plans and housing targets

  • Address Green Belt, Grey Belt and Brownfield considerations with examples

  • Explain consequences for Neighbourhood Development Plans

  • Introduce changes that will be bought about by elements of the new Planning and Infrastructure bill

  • Provide access to recommended resources, further guidance, and commentary

  • The session is suitable for all clerks and councillors.

The fee is £30 for the 1-hour online, trainer-led session.

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Introduction to Planning

A basic introduction to planning including:

  • What is planning

  • Role of the Parish Council

  • What is controlled by planning

  • Types of planning applications

  • Material and non-material planning considerations

  • The Parish Council recommendation

  • Planning conditions

  • Developer contributions

This is a £17 self-guided e-learning module.

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