In preparation to our upcoming workshop on planning, I thought it would be interesting to see what people thought the role of LEPs should be in local planning. How do you think LEPs should interact in the planning system?
In Oxfordshire, our LEP is already considered as the essential ingredient, as well as intrinsic driver, for ANY substantive planning review or assessment. We achieve this via our direct association with the Oxfordshire "Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Partnership" (SPIP). Happy to discuss more with any LEPs who are interested in this model.
Martin Dare-Edwards (Start-up) Chairman Oxfordshire LEP
I was wondering if you could maybe tell us more about your model, as I'm sure many other LEPs would also be interested in learning about it. For instance, does it include a business charter for planning?
We have not yet developed a charter, but we have a clear mutual understanding of our distinct "enterprise-representation" (LEP) and public sector + political (SPIP) roles, and recognition that we "need" each other for any sizeable planning decisions.
We are considering the development of some greater (but definitely not too restrictive) clarity on our respective engagement responsibilities. We have a meeting in this respect in the next month. I am happy to keep the LEP Forum updated on this subject.
Martin Dare-Edwards (Start-up) Chairman Oxfordshire LEP
With respect to planning CITB-Construction Skills have a tried and tested model under its National Skills Academy which enables the Client (ie. Local Planning Authority) to contractually embed skills, jobs and training requirements into its planning and procurment processes. This generates many successful outcomes for the community and the construction (& wider) sector. We recognise that LEP's have a significant influence here on applying the concept for infrastructure and economic growth.
The West of England LEP has published a 'Planning Toolkit' which sets out a vision for a more positive and consistent planning process based on collaboration and engagement.
I was the lead officer responsible for producing the toolkit and would be happy to share my experience of how we did it. I think this model could be replicated elsewhere, and would be happy to assist other LEPs in developing an approach.
The Planning Toolkit sets out the culture, values and behaviours which will underpin how the four unitary authorities and developers will work together and includes some practical steps aimed at improving the way large scale and complex planning applications are handled. It also promotes good practice on working more consistently and efficiently on decision making.
The benefits are clear: For Council's it will help improve performance in managing applications and promote investment in key sites: For developers support it will ensure earlier and more effective engagement with Councils and local communities; for LEPs it will promote the "open for business" message and help deliver targets for jobs and economic growth.
Email me at: [email protected] or call: 07792 503738 for more information