Consultation on Temporary Changes to Planning Engagement

Consultation on temporary changes to planning engagement

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is consulting on temporary changes to how communities and businesses can shape local planning policies and processes.

Adopted in March 2018, the council’s current Statement of Community Involvement sets out how local residents, businesses and interest groups are able to get involved in the creation of local planning policy, neighbourhood planning and the planning application decision process.

However in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and based on government guidance, the council has proposed temporary changes to the planning document that would allow engagement to continue while protecting the health of local communities.

Documents setting out the proposed temporary changes, as well as information on how to comment on the proposals, can be viewed online at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/BD03.

Those unable to access the webpage can request printed copies of these documents or comment on the proposals by calling 01256 844844.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and the Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “While the pandemic has affected how we as a council and planning authority can engage with local communities, businesses and groups, it has also seen us look at alternative ways to effectively communicate with each other to deliver important information and services to our residents.

“We do not know how long social distancing measures will be necessary but we do know it is vital that people have their say on planning in the borough and that we find ways of engaging with residents that we know will work for them. This consultation sets out our temporary proposal to keep people informed on planning matters and we are very keen to hear their thoughts on our solutions."

Comments on the proposed temporary changes can be submitted from now until 4pm on Monday 3 August. Following the consultation period, the comments will be used to inform the temporary update which is due to be agreed in the autumn.

The changes will remain in place until the social distancing measures put in place by the Government are lifted. The council will then return to engaging in the same way as prior to the introduction of the temporary measures.

For further information on the documents or the consultation email [email protected] or call 01256 844844.