The final report of the Local Government Association’s review of the Isle of Wight’s planning system has been published.
The report praises the “significant passion” amongst councillors, staff and local people in relation to issues around housing, development and growth housing, development and growth.
But it emphasises the need for planning to take place “within a framework of respect for others and their differing views and motivations”.
Urgently adopt Planning Strategy
The report gives a range of recommended actions, including to urgently finalise and adopt the Island Planning Strategy, and to rebuild trust between councillors, staff and the community.
No cost to IWC for review
The review was carried out in May this year — at no cost to the authority — by a councillor and senior officers from Cornwall, Colchester, the Isles of Scilly and St Albans City and District councils, as well as the LGA.
Spoke to more than 70 people
The review looked at the council’s planning function as a whole including the work of staff in the planning department, and elected councillors making up the planning committee.
Over three days the peer review team gathered information and views from more than 24 meetings, speaking to over 74 people including a range of council staff, elected councillors and representatives of other organisations.
Peacey Wilcox: A valuable experience for all of us
Council leader, Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox, said,
“We invited the LGA to undertake this review because planning is such a crucial part of delivering the council’s objectives.
“Working with the external LGA review team was a valuable experience for all of us, and the final report reflects the spirit of positive improvement that we took away from the three days the team spent with us.
“I am pleased to see that the team acknowledged the passion, positivity and sheer hard work that goes into our planning processes – from councillors, staff and others across the Island such as towns and parishes.
“I’m also glad that they underlined the importance and urgency of putting in place the Island Planning Strategy, and of improving customer focus, communications and trust throughout the planning system.
“Now the final document is here, we will work with stakeholders to promptly bring forward improvements based on the report.
“I have asked planning staff to produce a report on our next steps which we will present to the Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration on 7th July.”
Planning peer challenge Review: Executive summary
See full report beneath the executive summary.
There is significant passion expressed by councillors, officers and local people on the Isle of Wight which is presently focused on housing, development and growth. But particularly the former. There is considerable local opposition to house building developments by local people and some of their representatives on the Island. The challenge for all concerned is to consider how the passion for One Island, One Council can be harnessed to enable councillors and officers to work together effectively. This should be done within a framework of respect for others and their differing views and motivations. It is recognised by all that there is a need to rebuild trust between councillors, officers and the community.
For the Isle of Wight Council to deliver its corporate plan, councillors and staff need to collaborate to understand planning policy and the resultant rules and regulations and what they mean for all involved in planning and the benefits of an agreed Island Plan. The Island Plan plays a key role in delivering the objectives of the council’s corporate plan. It cannot do so until it is adopted and therefore the corporate plan is at risk of not being delivered.
The council needs to urgently review the constitution and procedural rules to effectively deliver the council’s democratic function. A review of the code of practice for councillors and officers should be undertaken as a matter of urgency. A review of protocols would benefit from a joint input from both councillors and officers. Support for this should come through councillor and officer training and development opportunities regarding both the democratic function and planning matters.
The planning committee at the Isle of Wight Council is an important interface between the council and the community. A committee that operates effectively will give assurance to all those involved in the planning process. Decisions made objectively and professionally enhance the reputation of the council and give confidence to residents, investors and stakeholders. To achieve this all councillors need to be well trained in the complexities of the planning system and adhere to the stringent process and procedural rules involved.
The council needs to improve its approach to communication in relation to planning issues. This should be with all stakeholders to effectively engage them and openly discuss how different views about developments can match the needs present in those communities.
There is an evident need for improvements in planning department outcomes, particularly for stakeholders external to the council in terms of speed and communication of decision-making. A number of recommendations to develop the planning service are contained herein.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: energepiccom under CC BY 2.0
