Core CPD Framework:
- Diversity, Inclusion & Professional Ethics
- 1 CPD Hour
Event Description
Determining Planning Applications Part 1: Drafting the Officer’s Report
The Officer’s Report is one of the first documents that is reviewed when consideration is being given to judicial review of an approval or appeal of a refusal.
The importance of a robustly prepared Officer’s Report, whether to Committee or for Delegated Authority, before determination of a planning application cannot be underestimated; not least because it is usually the starting point for any potential judicial review of a decision to grant permission and a key document for any appeal against a refusal of permission but also because it is also vital to ensure that decision making is transparent and understood by the public.
Learning Outcomes
This webinar will take a close look at the legal requirements and practical considerations when drafting the Officer’s Report to assist in the preparation of Reports that stand up to scrutiny if tested in the Courts or at appeal.
Expect to learn:
- Key elements that will need to be included in every Officer’s Report
- Deciding what else should be included
- How to approach matters of judgement and discretion
- Practical tips on how to minimise risk of challenge
This webinar will set out the legal aspects of drafting Officer’s Reports together with a practical best practice tips. This is the first part of a two part session.
Delivered by John Scott MRTPI, recently retired Director of Conservation and Planning at the Peak District National Park Authority, with over 30 years’ experience in both the public and private sector and Chris May LARTPI. Chris is a Legal Associate of the RTPI.
Chris May LARTPI
Legal Associate
Chris May LARTPI
Legal Associate
Chris is a Legal Associate of the RTPI with over 15 years’ experience advising on all aspects of town planning and development law at law firms within the East Midlands. Currently Partner specialising in Planning Law at Freeths and previously a Partner in the Planning Law Team at Howes Percival LLP, having joined 5 years ago to create an East Midlands Planning Law team for the firm. He has extensive experience in advising and coordinating complex development proposals, including student accommodation, employment and residential development at regeneration sites and greenfield sites, and in the preparation and negotiation of infrastructure agreements. Chris is particular keen to promote general understanding of the fundamental importance of the planning system to enable the delivery of the sustainable development that the region needs. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family with any time left (not much, given he has three children including a two-year old) spent reading or watching football.
John Scott MRTPI
Chartered Member on General Assembly
John Scott MRTPI
Chartered Member on General Assembly
Please state briefly why you wish to apply for this position.
I have been involved in Planning for nearly 40 years and still find it relevant and exciting - probably more now than ever. My enthusiasm for planning and the role it can play in meeting the challenges we face - climate change, biodiversity loss, the need for good quality affordable housing - is undiminished. We need to be pushing for a stronger Planning system, not a weaker, diluted one. We need to defend the profession and the role it can play in meeting these challenges. We should do so with enthusiasm, respect and good humour. We all need to be advocates of Planning, not apologists for it.
Please detail the skills and experience you have that would make you a strong candidate for this position.
I have been involved in Planning for nearly 40 years and have loved it (most of the time ...). I have spent nearly 30 years working for National Parks, most recently as Director of Conservation and Planning for the Peak District National Park Authority. The role was focussed on making things happen in the right places, adding value to the environment and people's lives, rather than just avoiding harm . Throughout that time I have been a strong local advocate of good Planning.
I also worked as Planning consultant for 10 years, giving me a wide of experience throughout the UK, focussing on renewables and housing.
I have served the RTPI since 1995 in the East Midlands, as a member of the regional board, Hon, Secretary and the region's GA representative for several years. I have also served as chair for two spells.
