1 - National Planning Improvement Framework - November 24 RevA - AM reviewed
Renfrewshire Council · 5 November 2024
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 5 November 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 ___________________________________________________________________ To: Planning and Climate Change Policy Board On: 5 November 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: National Planning Improvement Framework – Action Plan ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report seeks to inform members of the National Planning Improvement Framework (NPIF) which replaces the previous annual Planning Performance Framework (PPF). The report seeks to highlight the Action Plan which has been agreed as a result of the NPIF. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: ▪ Note that Renfrewshire Council has participated in the Scottish Government’s pilot of the introduction of the NPIF; ▪ Note that the NPIF has included a review workshop with a variety of stakeholders in attendance; and ▪ Note the agreed Action Plan which the Council will now seek to progress. _________________________________________________________ 3. National Planning Review Framework 3.1 The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a new approach to measuring the performance of planning authorities and made it mandatory for planning authorities to prepare a report on their performance after the end of each financial year.
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2 3.2 The Act also introduced the role of the National Planning Improvement Champion to monitor the performance of planning authorities and provide advice to them, and other persons considered appropriate, on the steps that might be taken to help improve performance. 3.3 The NPIF has been developed by the National Planning Improvement Champion and aims to “manage the development and use of land in the long term public interest through” ensuring that: ▪ the planning system enables the delivery of sustainable, liveable, and productive places. ▪ planning services are equipped to work effectively and efficiently, embedding continuous improvement. ▪ users are able to engage constructively with the planning system and planning service. 3.4 The NPIF includes three key stages: ▪ Stage 1: planning authorities undertake a self-assessment of their performance and proposed improvement action plan based upon 5 keys themes and 12 attributes of a highly performing planning authority. ▪ Stage 2: involves a peer collaborative review to provide constructive challenge on the improvement action plan. ▪ Stage 3: the improvement action plan and performance assessment are published and sent to Scottish Ministers and the Chief Executive. _________________________________________________________ 4. Renfrewshire and NPIF 4.1 Renfrewshire Council formed part of the pilot project and the initial roll out of the NPIF. 4.2 Our self-assessment and action plan has been agreed and finalised following a collaborative peer review which included scrutiny by a wide range of stakeholders. 4.3 A copy of our self-assessment and finalised NPIF Report is available to view online here. 4.4 Our agreed action and improvement plan is detailed at Appendix 1 and identifies a timescale of implementation and which staff member is responsible. 4.5 The action plan will be implemented over the next three years and it is intended and implementation working group will be formed within the Planning Service to drive and monitor the identified improvements. ___________________________________________________________________
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3 Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. All actions are funded from within existing approved budgets. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – None. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Children’s Rights – None. 13. Cosla Policy Position – None. 14. Climate Risk – None. ___________________________________________________________________ Author: David Love, Chief Planning Officer. Tel: 07483410182; Email: david.love@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Page 1 of 9 NATIONAL PLANNING IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN 2024 Renfrewshire Council Appendix 1
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Page 2 of 9 A high performing planning authority needs to have the right number of people to do the work expected of it with the rights skills set. It also needs to have a strategy to ensure that it retains and recruits the right staff in the future. It supports staff to upskill and to be prepared for changes in policy, legislation, and new circumstances. Attribute Score (1=Making excellent progress, 5= No progress) 1. The planning authority has sufficient resources and skills to maximise productivity 3 2. The planning authority has a valued and supported workforce 3 Based on the grading above, outline any areas of improvement that are required and by whom and their level of importance (High/ Medium/ Low) and by when (short/ medium/ long term). Improvement Action What action will you take? What will the outcome be? Owner Importance High Medium Low Timescale Short term – 1 year Medium term – 3 years Long term – 3+ years Resources Prepare a formal workforce strategy document detailing the adopted approaching of ‘grow our own’ Chief Planning Officer Medium Medium Engagement with finance partners to agree potential budget availability to support graduate apprenticeship position. Re-introduction of Professional Development Plans of all staff All Managers Medium Short Engagement with HR to consider PDP process etc. Introduction of Staff Survey to determine training needs and other matters Chief Planning Officer Medium Short Engagement with HR and OD.
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Page 3 of 9 A high performing planning authority has a positive culture through ensuring it has sound governance, effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The authority has an identified chief planner, who is supported by a strong leadership group to advise on decision-making, policy and operational management. Attribute Score (1=Making excellent progress, 5= No progress) 3. This Planning Authority has embedded continuous improvement 3 4. This Planning Authority has sound governance 3 5. This Planning Authority has effective leadership 3 Based on the grading above, outline any areas of improvement that are required and by whom and their level of importance (High/ Medium/ Low) and by when (short/ medium/ long term). Improvement Action What action will you take? What will the outcome be? Owner Importance High Medium Low Timescale Short term – 1 year Medium term – 3 years Long term – 3+ years Resources Review scheme of delegation as it relates to planning matters and make changes as required Chief Planning Officer Medium Medium In partnership with legal colleagues following consultation with Elected Members. Review Board timetables and operation of the board including introduction of hearings and the policy relating to site visits. Chief Planning Officer Medium Medium In partnership with legal colleagues following consultation with Elected Members. Training programme for elected members Chief Planning Officer Medium Medium Preparation of training programme while also considering statutory requirements when legislation is enacted.
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Page 4 of 9 A high performing planning authority needs to have an effective local development plan and other strategies in place to provide a vision for the future of the area. It needs to be able to set and deliver on policy ambitions and priorities by clearly informing decision making and providing certainty and predictability for communities, developers and investment. The authority’s development management systems need to be effective in making the right decisions about development and be efficient as possible in doing this. The planning authority makes best use of digital technology and how it manages and uses data. Attribute Score (1=Making excellent progress, 5= No progress) 6. The planning authority has a robust policy and evidence base 2 7. The planning authority makes best use of data and digital technology 3 8. The planning authority has effective and efficient decision-making processes 3 Based on the grading above, outline any areas of improvement that are required and by whom and their level of importance (High/ Medium/ Low) and by when (short/ medium/ long term). Improvement Action What action will you take? What will the outcome be? Owner Importance High Medium Low Timescale Short term – 1 year Medium term – 3 years Long term – 3+ years Resources Increase capability within the Strategy & Place team to undertake more GIS work Strategy & Place Manager High Short term Commence preparation of a data strategy for the planning service and identify planning representative to engage with corporate Data Advisory Group. Chief Planning Officer High Short-term
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Page 5 of 9 Put in place designated Enforcement Officer Chief Planning Officer and Development Standards Manager High Short Budget allocation to fund post temporary for 2 years Review Uniform workflow processes/letters and templates Uniform co-ordinator and Development Standards Manager High Medium Budget allocation to fund post temporary for 2 years Review of Board and LRB procedures Development Standards Manager with Legal and Committee Services Medium Medium Engagement with Legal and Committee Services to agree procedures Review and refresh all planning webpages on the Renfrewshire Council Website Chief Planning Officer Medium Long Engagement with corporate Comms team.
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Page 6 of 9 A high performing planning authority should ensure a wide range of people are involved in shaping their future places. Engagement should be fair and inclusive, early, collaborative, meaningful and proportionate and should include difficult to reach groups. The authority should engage with a wide range of partners at a national, regional and local level to ensure a joined-up approach and that links are made across policies and programmes. The planning authority should demonstrate good customer care, transparency and effective communication. Attribute Score (1=Making excellent progress, 5= No progress) 9. This planning authority has good customer care 3 10. The planning authority has effective engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and communities. 2 Based on the grading above, outline any areas of improvement that are required and by whom and their level of importance (High/ Medium/ Low) and by when (short/ medium/ long term). Improvement Action What action will you take? What will the outcome be? Owner Importance High Medium Low Timescale Short term – 1 year Medium term – 3 years Long term – 3+ years Resources Introduce a customer service survey measuring satisfaction with the level of collaboration in the preparation of the local development plan/local place plans. Strategy & Place Manager Medium 1 year Online survey Identify gaps in responses to the ‘Have your say’ survey from places and groups and run targeted consultations to address this. Strategy & Place Manager High 1 year Regular engagement events with stakeholders and customers to include: Chief Planning Officer and Development Standards Manager Medium Short Review of Uniform system to identify key agents/developers
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Page 7 of 9 - Developers Forum Community Council Visitations along with stakeholders and arrange events. Investigate use of customer questionnaire on issue of decision notice, taking account of any national survey implemented by NPI. Development Standards Manager Medium Medium Review other services procedures and systems for capturing comments Investigate charging for pre-application advice Chief Planning Officer and Development Standards Manager Medium Medium Review other local authorities’ practices and procedures
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Page 8 of 9 A high performing planning authority should demonstrate place leadership by taking a collaborative place-based approach in line with the Place Principle. It should use the Place and Wellbeing Outcomes in decision-making processes, to achieve the three spatial principles outlined in NPF4: Sustainable places, where we reduce emissions, restore and better connect biodiversity; Liveable places, where we can all live better, healthier lives; and Productive places, where we have a greener, fairer and more inclusive wellbeing economy. The planning authority should seek to ensure that there are no impediments to delivering agreed development. Attribute Score (1=Making excellent progress, 5= No progress) 11. The planning authority supports the delivery of sustainable, liveable and productive places 3 12. This planning authority supports the delivery of appropriate development 3 Based on the grading above, outline any areas of improvement that are required and by whom and their level of importance (High/ Medium/ Low) and by when (short/ medium/ long term). Improvement Action What action will you take? What will the outcome be? Owner Importance High Medium Low Timescale Short term – 1 year Medium term – 3 years Long term – 3+ years Resources Seek discussion/ training session with Improvement Service to provide planning staff with more knowledge of the Place and Wellbeing Outcomes and how these can be used in decision- making. Strategy & Place Manager Medium Short Preparation of model template for legal agreement and engagement with HoPS working group. Chief Planning Officer and Development Standards Manager Medium Medium Liaison with Legal Services to agree preparation of template
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Page 9 of 9 Publication of guidance relating to Education developer contributions Head of Economy and Development / Chief Planning Officer High High Issue guidance in next six months Flooding Officer Chief Planning Officer and Development Standards Manager High Long Investigate availability of budget to deliver role within the Council or use of term consultants