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Were the stakeholder meetings successful?

Well, according to those who attended and gave feedback the meetings were a resounding success. It appears that the discussion group format, and the opportunity to hear different points of view from different stakeholders, was well received. However, the real success of these meetings will depend upon how we take on board the feedback we have received.

As with all new ideas there are things we could have done better or differently. It has been suggested that;

• There is a better mix of stakeholders in the discussion groups
• That stakeholders choose the topics and which groups they attend
• There should be better pre planning, use of visual aids and handouts, prior warning of discussion topics and the use of case studies.
• There should be more time for discussion, fewer topics, clear objectives and a tighter framework for group feedback.

We will do all of these things  next time - and there will be a next time as the majority felt that we should run these sessions every 6 - 9 months.

So, future discussion topics suggested by those who attended included;

• Affordable housing
• Training
• Relations between, and the role of, County / District / Parish Councils.
• Appeals
• What the developer does
• Planning portal
• Innovative design and sustainability
• Building Control
• How to make effective representations
• A Jargon free guide to the planning system
• Following the life of a planning application
• Recycling
• Government targets and legislation
• Accommodating the motor car
• The local plan and how it fits with Regional policy

As you can all see there is plenty to talk and think about. But, more importantly there is much for the Planning Service to do if it wishes to build upon the success of these initial meetings.

We will be running more stakeholder meetings in the winter. In the meantime we would like to invite further feedback on these meetings through our website.

Ian Morrow, Head of Planning Services

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