Planning – how do you want to be involved?

Harborough District Council has launched a consultation on a revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which invites comments on how people are involved with planning related matters across the district.

The SCI sets out who, when and how the Council will consult when developing new planning policy and processing planning applications.

The SCI consultation asks for feedback on a series of points regarding:

• relevant consultees
• timeframe for consultations
• how the Council can support people to use the website to view and respond to consultations
• how the Council can encourage seldom heard groups to participate
• recent / potential changes in practice for consultations

The seven-week consultation will run until 5pm on Wednesday 8 January 2020 before it is considered for adoption in February next year.

A Council spokesperson said: “Local people and interested parties have historically been consulted on planning matters; it’s an essential part of good planning. However, the draft SCI updates our approach and procedures for engaging people more effectively and efficiently, taking account of recent changes to legislation. We hope that as many individuals and groups as possible will take the opportunity to comment on the SCI to help shape how we consult in future.”

People can respond to the draft SCI through the Council’s website and paper copies of the consultation will also be available at the Council’s Offices at The Symington Building in Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, and at libraries within the district.

Take part in the consultation at www.harborough.gov.uk/sci