Councillors learn most effective ways of challenging planning applications

WITH the county facing a triple whammy of threats to its countryside, around 30 town and parish councillors from across the county have attended a special seminar in Mid Devon to arm them with the knowledge to respond effectively to planning proposals that impact their communities.

- by STAFF REPORTER

Devon CPRE, the only Devon-wide charity with proven expertise in planning matters, has held workshops for local councils for several years.

However, a raft of new government proposals makes it more important than ever that councillors know their way around the complex and ever-changing planning system.

This year’s workshop - held for the first time in Tiverton - looked at the new draft Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the progress of the English Devolution White Paper and its implications for local planning, and the impact of the forthcoming National Land Use Framework.

Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther said: “It was heartening to see the room packed to bursting with representatives of town and parish councils from across Devon as our planning workshops are specifically to help steer councillors through the complex planning process. How town and parish councils respond, as statutory consultees, can make a real difference to what the local planning authority ultimately decides.”