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Planning Advisory Service

June 2020

I had thought that when lockdown started I would find that the days and weeks dragged, that not being able to go out would detract from our offer and that we might struggle as a team keep momentum. In reality, it has had quite the opposite effect. This time has brought some pre-existing issues into sharp focus.

We knew that our online resources weren't up to scratch but having people rely entirely on them forced us to consider this at speed. We have gained an even greater sense of team through working together to bring you the most up-to-date information on planning through COVID-19.

Working differently has, I feel, brought about a creative, innovative vibe that, whilst present, may have been dormant as we focused on the here and now of our programme. We're still thinking about all of the different ways that we could deliver our work. If you have any bright ideas or suggestions then please send them along to pas@local.gov.uk.

Anna Rose
Head of PAS

One month to go: Virtual workshop on preparing your 2020 Housing Delivery Test Action Plan  

Building on the workshop support that we have offered over the last year, we are hosting a series of small and interactive virtual forums for councils who scored below 95 per cent in their Housing Delivery Test and are preparing an Action Plan ready for the August 2020 deadline. 

To find out more and book your place please visit our website

PAS and LGA webinar: Planning through the pandemic - July 13

Through the LGA we are delivering a one-hour webinar on how planning services have adapted to COVID-19 to continue to accept, consider and make decisions on planning applications. It will be an opportunity to hear from speakers from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) about their experiences and how they have had to re-consider their way of working.

It’s free to all LGA member councils. To find out more and book your place please visit the LGA’s website where it will be advertised shortly.

Blogs

Climate Emergency: Opportunity from risk

Martin shares his thoughts and asks for comments on a package of support he’s developing to help LPAs understand ‘what good likes like’ when it comes to local plans and climate change.

Wouldn’t it be nice? Plan-making through the eyes of a plan lover

Anna shares her thoughts about the present challenges of plan making and the opportunity and importance plan making will have post-pandemic.

Planning & COVID-19 FAQs

We’ve updated our Planning & COVID-19 FAQs to include some advice on undertaking planning committee site visits.

Working with you to deliver support

We are going to be getting in touch with a few of you who have used PAS support in the past to get your insight into how we can best deliver present and future support for you through the present social restrictions.