YRPS Insight: Edition Eight - Flipbook - Page 32
DEVELOPING CONSENSUS:
MEMBERS RESPONSE
Are there any practices that planning authorities
have developed during the pandemic to help
speed up, and / or support the processing of
applications that should be kept and can you
give an example of how these have improved
the planning process?
As members of the Developing Consensus Group, we are asked to comment on current
affairs within the Northern Built Environment. Richard Morgan, Planning and Development
Consultant responded to this question regarding the Pandemic Planning Processes with:
“From our experience, although planning authorities have made a great effort to introduce
new procedures to enable the planning system to keep moving, I think it would be hard
to argue that this has improved the service beyond where we were before the pandemic
in terms of efficiency. Increasing delegated powers indefinitely would be welcomed if it
helps cut down the agenda at planning committees, speeds up the application process
and leads to more consistent decisions. The use of virtual meetings as an accepted means
of communication with council officers is also something we would be happy to see
continue when we return to a more ‘normal’ way of working. On projects where there
are time pressures, we have found virtual meetings to be an effective way to maintain a
positive dialogue with the planning authority. Virtual meetings can be arranged at short
notice, without the logistical challenges of physically bringing everyone together and the
delays this can cause; that is provided all participants have a strong internet connection!”
For further information on the Developing Consensus Organisation,
please visit their website: www.developingconsensus.com.
RESIDENTIAL