Cost: from £130 + VAT

This course provides attendees with a solid understanding of planning committees and decisions made by local authorities and is suitable for anyone who needs to understand the key aspects of planning committees including lawyers, planners and committee officers. The course includes a general introduction to local authority decisions including delegation; consultation; member interests, bias and pre-determination; human rights; and the public sector equality duty. The course will then provide a specific focus on planning decisions including:

• An overview of the legal context for planning decisions
• What the development plan is and what weight it should be given
• An explanation of policy presumptions and how to apply them
• Material considerations including section 106 agreements
• There will also be materials on:
• Recent changes to the legal and procedural context following Covid 19
• Digital planning and its impact on planning decisions
• Top tips for preparing for committee meetings
• Planning report checklists