Department of Transport and Planning’s Post

In this video Bill Stark shares the key questions every strategic plan should answer and how LeaderGov can support your local government in its planning efforts. https://lnkd.in/gPuk4nJZ

Join us TODAY at 1 PM CT for a webinar with Holistiplan and Town Capital on how advisors are differentiating themselves and growing their practice with tax-smart planning.. See you there! Register here ➡️https://bit.ly/3KJ8Zm8

In the midst of all last week's report excitement, I missed this - sorry David Blackman! Fascinating analysis of DLUHC's proposed 'Accelerated Planning Service' which is currently out for consultation*, featuring Ian Fletcher of the British Property Federation, Lawrence Turner, Peter Canavan MRTPI, Kathryn Hampton, some local authority planners who, understandably, don't want to be named, and me. General consensus: Could be a good idea, if LPAs were properly resourced. But in the current circumstances - you need to get the resourcing right *first* or this could all go quite badly wrong. *consultation closes on May 1st, so there is still time to get involved. https://lnkd.in/eJz_n6Mz

Strategic planning, remember that? Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey. NB - this is for non-local authority people. LAs have been surveyed already. https://lnkd.in/efqqp69J

📰 Following research conducted by PLMR, we found that 1 in 2 people believe that regional Metro Mayors should have greater control over local planning policy. PR specialist at PLMR, Sam Pugh, dives into the details. ⬇️ Read more below: https://lnkd.in/eHguEQab

Sometimes the simplest ideas only appear simple to those that haven’t been there and tried it. The first of the modern planning acts was created in 1947. At that time the government of the day gave 8 weeks to determine an application. In 1991 the government recognised that some applications were more complicated and introduced a 13 week “rule”. Still recognising that this might not be achievable in all cases, giving the applicant a right of appeal in the grounds of non-determination. I’m no historian but I’m fairly confident that much has happened since 1947 and yet the same 8 week rule applies. Now let’s move on to “planner bashing”. I can remember when I first started in planning being told there was a shortage of planners in the South East. By the time I’d finished my Master degree in Town Planning I was told there was a national shortage of planners. A few years ago I read a report that confirmed there was a shortage of qualified planners in the Commonwealth. So it’s fair to say that qualified planners are a rare breed. I’m not in Government (and have no wish to become a politician) but with targets that are out of date, a severe lack of resources, and the threat of even greater penalties for those Authorities who fail to perform (yes there are moves afoot to increase the number of planners but it’s important to accept they don’t grow on trees and even if they did they’d take more than a few years to ripen into anything useful) how do we ensure applications are determined more quickly? I caused a ripple of dissent on a similar thread recently and don’t want to do it all over again. This isn’t an opportunity to talk about “them and us” as planners we’ve all got a responsibility for fixing a broken system. My starter for ten - there’s a cost to delayed applications for the applicant. So maybe going the extra mile in terms of what is submitted with the application (ie beyond the absolute minimum) is actually going to cost less? So let’s not argue about that slight tweak that may reduce the value of the finished product by a small amount, yes it’s annoying, yes it may not even be justified, but until the backlog is addressed properly it may be commercially more sensible to suck it up and make the tweak. That said, it’s also important to acknowledge that pragmatism only goes so far. It’ll be a challenge to find a council (and I mean Elected Members here) that is prepared to be the same - but I’m looking …

Interesting to see the EHRC’s proposal for its three-year strategic plan from 2025. Workplace equality including sexual harassment, pay gaps, and discriminination risks in certain atypical working all feature. And there is a focus on broader equality including how the increased use of technology to access services can create barriers for certain groups (including older or disabled people). There are 12 weeks to respond to this public consultation.

The Minister for Planning has today gazetted some substantial changes to give effect to reforms announced in the new Victoria’s Housing Statement. The planning scheme amendments introduce a new particular provision to facilitate developments that provide significant housing, including affordable housing. They also introduce a new provision to facilitate non residential development that makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s economy. The requirements are set out in clause 52.22 and clause 52.23, including definition of what qualifies as a ‘significant development’. The amendments make the Minister for Planning the Responsible Authority for the administration of the above provisions. These changes do not apply to applications lodged prior to the approval date of this amendment. Interestingly, the amendments also allow for a range of non-residential uses such as certain office and retail uses in residential zones, subject the satisfaction of conditions. Read more at https://lnkd.in/daYj8Yyx

As we approach 2024, the importance of strategic planning cannot be overstated. According to a recent study by BridgeConsultancy, a staggering 65% believe their organizations are proficient in crafting strategy. The question is, where does your municipality stand? Let's collaborate to navigate the path of progress together. Discover how our proven strategies have transformed municipalities nationwide. #GovernmentLeadership #StrategicPlanning #LeadershipTraining #LocalGov #DrMariaChurch