Idea 20: Make planning training compulsory for members of Planning Authorities

Make planning training compulsory for members of Planning Authorities (as it is for Licensing).

Although most Planning Authorities have made moves to ensure that the majority of their members have received an amount of initial training, legislative backing for mandatory training, as is the case for Licensing Boards, would ensure that all members who take part in the determination of a planning application will have at least a fundamental understanding of:

1. The planning system.
2. Relevant planning policy
3. The impact their decisions have in relation to the wider aims of their local authority and/or community.