PLANNING
THE WAY AHEAD 'Planning the Way Ahead' was the title of the third annual Conference organised by the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils on 4th November 2000. Over 80 Councillors, Council Clerks, Support Staff and Presenters attended and Mr Frank Eggleton, Chairman of WALC, opened the conference by reminding those assembled that Parish Councils already have extensive powers to bring about change within their communities. These resources could remain untapped without the effective training of Councillors and Clerks. He concluded by introducing Mr Jeremy Worth, Head of Planning at the Countryside Agency. Jeremy stressed the importance of involving Parish Councils in the Planning process. Issues need to be debated in order to formulate the way forward. This can be achieved through public meetings and the drafting of 'Village Design Statements' that can be incorporated into 'Supplementary Planning Guidance' (SPG). Less than a quarter of farmers are now engaged in full time farming and agricultural businesses must diversify to maintain viability. Effective use of the Internet will play an increasing role in 'planning tomorrow's countryside'. Mr Stephen Wright, Director of the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, identified Parish Councils as the 'first tier of local government'. Information based on local knowledge in conjunction with planning legislation would lead to effective land use that would accommodate social, environmental and economic needs. This is what the Rural White Paper should be expected to show. The District Council's role in planning was explained by a panel of Council Officers. Planners need feedback from Parish Councils. Picking up the phone is preferable to writing letters! Mr Cliff Lane reported that Salisbury District Council had extended the planning review period from the statutory 14 days to 21 days. This gives PCs more time to formulate a response. Following a successful pilot scheme for committee meetings in the Northern Area, SDC has introduced monthly consultation throughout the 400 square miles over which SDC has jurisdiction. For Wiltshire County Council, Mr Richard Lander, Director of Environmental Services, explained that WCC were monitoring the scale and distribution of housing in the County. WCC has been encouraged by the active participation of local people in the debate over the Waste Local Plan. After lunch Philippa Read, Hon Secretary of WALC, introduced some of the local planning processes that WALC is able to initiate. 'Village Design Statements' and 'Planning for Real' were both explained in detail:
There followed a presentation from Dr Wendy Le Las, the author of a book entitled 'Understanding the Development Jigsaw'. The purpose of the book is to help those who become involved in disputes over land use. Because planning issues can involve several levels of policy she has developed a 'check list' to ensure that nothing is missed:
The
overwhelming message of the conference is that Town and
Parish Councils already have wide powers to effect change
in their communities. District Councils are keen to work
with them to achieve more effective local government.
Community First can provide support in the form of the 'Planning
for RealŪ' and the 'Village Design Statement'
initiatives. The Rural White Paper, when it is published,
can be expected to enhance the role of Town and Parish
Councils. Copyright (c)
1999/2000 Richard Parsons. All rights reserved. |