Training
25.1 As section 5 above explains, the planning system is a complex mixture of statute and case law, and of local and national policy, balancing private and public interests. The declaration of interests is also an area which demands the exercise of well-informed judgement.
- A copy of this Code of Practice will be accessible to each Elected Member and Officer in the Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Department, including new Elected Members and employees
- The Council will provide periodic training events for Elected Members on planning, which all Elected Members should endeavour to attend as part of their personal development
- Elected Members newly elected to the Council without prior training and those serving upon the Planning Committee who have not attended planning training within a two year period prior (including substitutes) should not vote upon any planning application or the consideration of enforcement and other action until they have attended a recognised training event on planning. The Council will employ a Chartered Town Planner as Planning and Development Manager and will seek to employ trained or Chartered Town Planners to operate its main planning functions
- The Council will, as far as possible, assist Officers in carrying out training and development activities which enable them to meet the requirements of their post, and enable them to fulfil the ‘continuous professional development’ requirements placed on Chartered Town Planners
25.2 An Elected Member shall not participate in decision making at meetings of the Planning Committee if they have not attended the mandatory training prescribed by the Council. Elected Members of the Committee shall also endeavour to attend any other specialised training sessions provided, since these are designed to extend the knowledge of the Elected Member on planning law, regulations, procedures, Codes of Practice and Development Plans and generally assist the Elected Member in carrying out their role properly and effectively.