Since December 2024, the Government has published a series of working papers on different aspects of planning reform. The working papers are intended to inform discussions with the sector and influence further policy development including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill published in March 2025. They focus on the following topics:
DAC Planning has provided a detailed response to the Planning Reform Working Paper: Modernising Planning Committees.
The working paper invited views on models for a national scheme of delegation, the creation of targeted planning committees specifically for strategic development, and the mandatory requirement for training for planning committee members. The Government have taken forward these measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
DAC Response
We welcome the proposals and commitment of Government to provide certainty and improve the efficacy of planning outcomes and the planning committee processes. However, we believe for the measures to have the required impact there is a need for greater focus and understanding of the role and influence of the Local Plan.
We suggest the following additional measures to be added to the package of reform:
For the planning system to operate efficiently individual proposals, such as changes to the operation of planning committees, cannot be considered in isolation. There is a clear need for officers within Councils to be upskilled in order to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently (both in terms of Local Plan making and decision-taking) as well as mandatory training to be offered to members. Additional funding will be needed for local authorities to procure the necessary training and skills.
We agree that Planning Committee members should receive mandatory training, and this should be delivered by a CPD accredited training body. The training needs to form part of a broader commitment to meeting and maintaining professional standards with a requirement for refresher courses and additional training as a result of further planning reform.
Based on our extensive experience, it is evident that the role of the Local Plan is not always fully understood. We recommend that those involved in the Local Plan process, including Committee Members, should receive mandatory training on the Local Plan. Without this, there is a risk that the status of Local Plan allocations will not be fully recognised and there will be a continued desire for applications on allocated sites to be considered in detail at the planning application stage.
We recommend that training is procured centrally and delivered by MHCLG via approved CPD accredited providers as this will enable quality assurance and instil confidence. This could then be supplemented by additional training tailored to local circumstances. We suggest an approach of a ‘core training’ offer plus additional ‘bolt-ons’ to cover more technical aspects or fill any specific knowledge gaps.
How we can help
DAC Planning has developed a range of training courses and are well-placed to deliver mandatory training for Planning Committee members as well as fulfilling the wider training needs of the sector.
We can offer training on the following and support on the following:
An Introduction to Planning
Training for Members to include Planning Committees
Preparing for Local Plan Examination
Neighbourhood Development Plans
Local Plan making
We are currently developing a dedicated new training service (‘the Planning Academy’) to further support and build capacity amongst planning professionals, local communities and other stakeholders involved in the planning process.
Please do get in touch if you are interested in a training course. We would be happy to discuss a package to suit your training requirements:
admin@dacplanning.com / 01206 688103
This information is for general informative purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, DAC Planning accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from its use.
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