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PAS is growing again, reflecting a really interesting range of projects. We are hiring consultants at senior and more junior levels along with a programme support coordinator. Some of us work in London but most of the team work remotely. Apply by the 5 May:
PAS have been working with Urban Design Learning to produce some videos to share insights into some of the good examples of well designed new large housing developments that have been and are being built in Cambridge.
On Friday 9th May, 2 to 4:30pm, Urban Design Learning are hosting an online session to view and discuss some of the videos, exploring how these new neighbourhoods have been designed and delivered and what lessons can be learned from them.
This is free to attend online event is and open to all. Please email info@urbandesignlearning.com if you would like to attend.
We are able to offer places to new and less experienced local government Planning Managers on this year's PAS Coaching and Mentoring Framework. As part of the Framework you will be offered regular meetings, for up to a year, with one of our experienced Planning Manager Peers - who will coach and mentor you in your role and development. If you are interested, please can you complete this form. There are limited places but if we can't accommodate you this year we'll prioritise you for next year.
There are future challenges for Planning Services heading for Local Government Reform (LGR).In April 2024 we pulled together a report that should help you prepare. It sets out eight key lessons and advice from councils and planning services that have already gone through major organisational change. We'd also like to point you towards a helpful presentation given at the PAS at 20 conference. Use this link - go to the Local Government Reorganisation and Devo Workshop slides at the bottom of page to get Nic Thomas's (Director of Planning, Wiltshire Council) top tips from his experience at Wiltshire Council.
On Tuesday 13th May, 2pm to 3.30pm, we are hosting an online session for officers leading their local plan to introduce how PAS will be supporting LPAs in 2025 and 2026. This will include discussing the areas of support and launching a Local Plan Leaders Network for officers. The session will be particularly useful for LPAs who are aiming to submit their local plan before December 2026 under the present local plan system, but we will be covering support in both the present and future plan making process.
Are you aiming to submit before December 2026?
If you are a Local Plan manager and your council is aiming for local plan submission by December 2026 and you would like to be involved in shaping our support and getting involved in our programme then fill in a few details and we will be in touch.
It will soon be four years since we first published our guide to GDPR for planners. We've heard from a few councils that it's been very useful, but it is starting to show its age and needs some kind of update to address AI and some changes to consultation we're expecting. If you have any suggestions on how you'd like to see it changed just let Richard know your thoughts: richard.crawley@local.gov.uk
Natural England has conducted its biennial review of the protected species standing advice and published updates Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities
Standing Advice is provided in place of an individual detailed response to consultations from local planning authorities (LPAs) on planning applications that impact protected species. LPAs should take this advice into account when making decisions on development proposals.
The standing advice aims to equip LPAs with the necessary information and advice to make decisions that better protect England’s protected species, without needing to consult Natural England. Natural England should still be consulted on development proposals that impact our other interests, as outlined in Natural England’s Standard: Responding to consultations on development (NESTND037). However, bespoke advice on protected species will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.
Feedback is welcome on the new advice directly on to GOV.UK via the relevant pages or by emailing planningandinfrastructure@naturalengland.org.uk
PAS recently delivered two concurrent virtual sessions, Addressing the Nature Emergency for Local Planning Authority Councillors, which brought together Local Councillors, with a particular focus on cabinet members and portfolio holders, to explore the crucial role they play in responding to the nature emergency.
The session emphasised the importance of considering nature across all areas of local government. It provided the context on how nature fits within wider changes in local governance and planning, while offering practical actions councillors can take to support and benefit from nature recovery in their existing roles. There was a very positive response to the idea of an on-going members’ network. We’ll be looking into this in the coming weeks.
Local Authority Nature Recovery Toolkit is now live on our website. This handy resource was originally developed as a series of workshops for you to deliver in-house. Dive in and take a look at some great case studies and resources. We are actively updating it with Natural England and welcome any feedback.
We are hoping to officially launch it at the Creating Nature Towns and Cities conference in June.
Amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill announced in a Written Ministerial Statement put forward changes to the way that public consultation is carried out for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. The changes will remove the statutory requirements to consult as part of the pre-application stage for NSIPs, and instead bring in statutory guidance on the Government's expectation for more meaningful engagement and consultation prior to submission. This will be used by the Planning Inspectorate to assess submissions before they are accepted. Local authorities will also need to be notified, alongside the Inspectorate, when applicants intend to submit.
These changes are part of the wider reforms Government is making to the NSIP planning process. PAS manages a network of local authorities working on NSIPs, enabling local planners and other council officers to discuss emerging topics, share experience and learn about best practice. Do get in touch if you would like to take part
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