Wednesday, December 8, 2010

CLA Takes a Look at a New Era in Planning

The coalition Government is shifting the agenda on planning with responsibility for strategic and local planning moving to new regimes and, according to the Country Land and Business Association, it will open a new era in planning.

CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the way people prepare planning applications and the whole of the decision making process is about to undergo the most radical change in recent planning history.

In order to open the door on the future, the CLA has organised three seminars which will pull together experts from all aspects of the planning process. The seminars, which will be held in Wiltshire, Somerset and Cornwall early in the New Year, will examine the process of putting together a planning application and offer essential tips on the pitfalls and priorities.

Mr Mortimer says that part of the Government’s localism agenda aims to give individuals and local communities the ability to determine their own future and to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits. But CLA experts say there is a risk that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.

“We are going to have to take a new approach to planning and think about how we are going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? We need to look at how somebody preparing to apply for planning permission can set about getting their voice heard and convincing the local community that their application is right for the area.

“Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help people win,” said Mr Mortimer.

The seminars will take place on Tuesday 25 January at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire; On Wednesday 26 January at The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset and on Tuesday 15 February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. The cost is £20 for CLA members and £30 for non-members. Places can be reserved on line at

www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or by telephone on 01249 700200.





For further information please contact Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345.

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