The Community Perspective on the Planning Process

Burbage Matters!Burbage Matters!

John O’Sullivan and Graham Davis

Agenda

• IntroductionsBurbageBurbage Matters!

• Community Perspective on the Planning Process.

• How can you help.

• Questions.

Burbage• Burbage is one of the largest villages in county with a

population of circa 17,000. • Located in Leicestershire, lying immediately south of the town

of Hinckley. • Semi-rural location with immediate access to the M69 and A5

makes it one of the most popular settlements in the county, with easy access to all of the major towns and cities in the Midlands and beyond.

 • The village has seen significant growth over the past 30 years

with somewhat of a population explosion and the number of new homes growing significantly.

Burbage Matters!

• Non-political community-based organisation, formed in 1999.

• Core membership of 11 people.

• Over the last 10 years or so, worked closely with Burbage Parish Council to produce both the Burbage Community Plan and Village Design Statement.

• The group’s aims include helping to achieve sustainable development for the village by creating a better place to live and work for all.

Community Perspective on the Planning Process.

• The planning system is heavily weighted in favour of developers  Presumption in favour of sustainable development – yet there is no

clear definition of sustainable.

 Officers spend a great deal of time with developers - little if any time with objectors (including Parish Councils).

 Developers can afford to pay professionals to present to Planning Committees.

 Developers can fund expensive lawyers and barristers to advance their schemes – most councils shy away from this in many cases due to the potential cost to the public purse

The weight of community objection is not a material consideration when determining a planning application

• The planning system is not plan led.

•  The planning system lacks effective Community engagement

How can you help• Spend more time with objectors to better understand the issues.

• Have greater engagement within the community that you represent.

• Better explain the reasons why a controversial application is recommended.

• Help objectors prepare to present to Planning Committees.

• Hold work shops to help the community better understand the Planning System.

• Create an agreed plan - and stick to it!

Questions?