Course curriculum

    1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of planning, including its purpose and the national, legislative, and regulatory framework that shapes decisions.

    1. Explore key planning documents including the Development Plan and understand its role in shaping development in your area.

    1. Familiarise yourself with each stage of the planning application process, from pre-application discussions to post-decision actions.

    1. Understand your responsibilities in the decision-making process, including how to assess planning applications against policies and material considerations.

    1. Learn the principles of good decision-making for planning applications and critically evaluate how your decisions can impact local communities and the environment.

About this course

  • £950.00
  • Half day
  • Online course followed by online or in person workshop
  • For groups of up to 20 people, this is ideal for new, existing or prospective members of a planning committee.

Learning Outcomes

Whether you're a new, existing or prospective member of a planning committee, this course will help you build the knowledge, skills and understanding to effectively make decisions in your role.

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of planning, including its purpose and the national, legislative, and regulatory framework that shapes decisions.

  • Explore key planning documents including the Development Plan and understand its role in shaping development in your area.

  • Familiarise yourself with each stage of the planning application process, from pre-application discussions to post-decision actions.

  • Understand your responsibilities in the decision-making process, including how to assess planning applications against policies and material considerations.

  • Learn the principles of good decision-making and critically evaluate how your decisions can impact local communities and the environment.

Meet Your Trainers

Senior Trainer Tim Parton

Tim brings extensive, hands-on experience across planning policy and development management. His work has included producing Local Plans and Infrastructure Delivery Plans, acting as an expert witness, and leading on Minerals Planning. As the lead for our Neighbourhood Planning support, Tim draws on his practical expertise to deliver clear, insightful training grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.

Senior Trainer Nicki Faulkner

Nicki brings valuable experience from her background in local government and her current role at DAC Planning, which she joined in 2021. She manages a wide range of projects from Local Plans to Community Infrastructure Levy implementation, giving her a practical understanding of planning processes. As a trainer, Nicki combines her detail-oriented approach with strong communication and collaboration skills, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Senior Trainer Tim Parton

Tim brings extensive, hands-on experience across planning policy and development management. His work has included producing Local Plans and Infrastructure Delivery Plans, acting as an expert witness, and leading on Minerals Planning. As the lead for our Neighbourhood Planning support, Tim draws on his practical expertise to deliver clear, insightful training grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.

Senior Trainer Nicki Faulkner

Nicki brings valuable experience from her background in local government and her current role at DAC Planning, which she joined in 2021. She manages a wide range of projects from Local Plans to Community Infrastructure Levy implementation, giving her a practical understanding of planning processes. As a trainer, Nicki combines her detail-oriented approach with strong communication and collaboration skills, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Senior Trainer Tim Parton

Tim brings extensive, hands-on experience across planning policy and development management. His work has included producing Local Plans and Infrastructure Delivery Plans, acting as an expert witness, and leading on Minerals Planning. As the lead for our Neighbourhood Planning support, Tim draws on his practical expertise to deliver clear, insightful training grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.

Senior Trainer Nicki Faulkner

Nicki brings valuable experience from her background in local government and her current role at DAC Planning, which she joined in 2021. She manages a wide range of projects from Local Plans to Community Infrastructure Levy implementation, giving her a practical understanding of planning processes. As a trainer, Nicki combines her detail-oriented approach with strong communication and collaboration skills, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

FAQ

  • Will this course ensure that I can meet the new requirements for training being introduced by the Government?

    The course is designed to give you the knowledge and understanding that you need to effectively fulfil your role as a decision maker on a planning committee. The precise requirements are yet to be established by the Government but we will ensure that our course will comply with emerging legislation. You will be provided with a certificate to provide evidence that you have completed the training.

  • Is this training for individuals or for a group of councillors?

    We can tailor the training format to suit your needs. Please contact us at support@theplanningacademy.com to discuss this and associated pricing.

  • Is the course online or in person?

    We offer both online and in person options. We can deliver via MS Teams or we can come to your organisation to deliver in person.

  • Can I pay by invoice?

    Yes. Please contact us at support@theplanningacademy.com to arrange this.

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