Planning: So Much More than Planning: So Much More than Spatial Accounting!Spatial Accounting!

My Melton Experience

•2011 - Challenging timelines•Changing environment: NPPF•Organised residents •Finely balanced decision• Inspector did not agree•Explored suspension then withdrew•Met with PINs inspector on way forward!•4 year programme to local plan adoption•Awash with planning applications!

My thoughts on Planning...

•Complex legislative environment•Constant change •Long timelines which create risk• Issue of public engagement•Procedural accuracy needed• Inspectors view may be different

In summary a far from risk free process!

The Way Forward.....?

•Strategic Ownership•Whole Council Approach•Organisational understanding •Adopt a project planning approach •Weaving it all together•Regular gateway reviews•Horizon scanning•Risk register

Taking everyone on the Journey

• Invest in communications•Take the time to explain the issues•Use different methods for engagement•Be aware of the power of social media•Management and members need to be well briefed – Duty To Co-operate!!

A Directors Perspective

•The challenge of the Duty to Co-operate•Understanding the place and the people•Local aspiration and localism• Converting the need into an achievable, viable plan•See the issues/changes looming•Weaving the issues together in a coherent response

Things to consider

•Not getting too locked into the process•Re-viewing when major changes happen•The value of internal/external engagement•Have someone who can ask searching questions•Constantly consider the wider issues•Watch out for major risks and make others aware

Meltons Way Forward

•Learning from the process• Investment in more resources•SHMA underway•County Wide Member Group Established•6 Reference Groups will run over MLP term•Extensive use of web, social media•High level of member engagement

End End Christine MarshallChristine Marshall

Thank you!