The complexities of the local planning process will be explained in two training sessions organised by Swindon Borough Council.
The Council’s planning team will be on hand to run through how planning applications are determined as well as navigate people through local planning policy.
The first session will take place on Monday, 30 October in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street between 6pm and 8pm.
Hosted by the planning team’s Service Manager for Development Management, Andy Brown, the evening will cover the role of the Council’s team who deal with planning applications.
Legislation, the different types of planning applications, consultation and how planning applications are considered are some of the topics that will be discussed. The appeal process and what matters can’t be considered in a planning application will also be explained.
The second session will be held on Monday, 27 November and will be of particular interest to anyone who would like to know a bit more about Local and Neighbourhood Plans as well as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Phil Smith, the Council’s Strategic Planning Policy Manager, will explain how the UK planning system is structured and the role of the Council as the Local Planning Authority.
Swindon Borough Council’s Local Plan 2026 and Local Plan Review will be discussed as will the borough’s five-year housing supply and Neighbourhood Planning.
Cllr Toby Elliott, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, said: “I can’t speak highly enough of our planning team as they have an incredibly difficult job balancing the needs and wishes of local people against the requirements placed on us by national planning policy.
“The team also plays an integral role in shaping the future of Swindon through well managed housing developments, winning plaudits for their work at Tadpole Garden Village and the Old Railway Quarter.
“There have been a number of planning decisions that have stirred a lot of local interest in recent weeks and these sessions are a great opportunity for people to find out a bit more about how the planning process works, gain a better understanding of Local Plans and why the borough’s five-year housing supply is so important.”
For more information or to book a place on either of the sessions please contact Karen Phimister in the Council’s Planning Policy Team on 01793 466425 or email: [email protected]
Those attending the sessions are asked to arrive for a prompt start at 6pm.
