Issue - meetings

The Strategic Planning Board is invited to consider a programme of training for Councillors on Strategic Planning Board and Northern and Southern Planning Committees post Vesting day (1 April 2009).

Members considered the report of the Head of Planning and Policy which proposed a programme of training for Councillors appointed to the Strategic Planning Board and Northern and Southern Planning Committees.  Appendix 1 attached to the report set out suggested topics for inclusion in the programme and sought Members’ opinion on whether the training should be specific to a particular Committee or apply to all three.  Members’ were also requested to consider arrangements for delivery of the sessions, the suggestion being that a half hour slot be put aside at the beginning of each Committee meeting for this purpose.    

The topics outlined in Appendix 1 were welcomed by the Strategic Planning Board although it was suggested that the programme be expanded to include development management and housing provision. 

The approach advocated in the report with regards to the timings of sessions was not supported by Members as in their opinion this was too short a time limit to consider subjects in sufficient detail.  Instead, half day sessions were proposed to be held on a six week cycle; with an invitation to attend being extended to all planning members for each session.

RESOLVED: That a) Subject to the inclusion of development management and housing provision, the programme outlined in Appendix A be approved;

b) Sessions be open to all members of the Strategic Planning Board and the Northern and Southern Planning Committees; and

c) The scheduling of half day events be based on a six week cycle.