bham sci 5/06 · 1.1 the statement of community involvement (sci) sets out how we will encourage...

birmingham’s local development frameworktheBirminghamplan

Statement ofCommunity Involvement (SCI)

Adopted

april2008



Adopted

april2008

www.birmingham.gov.uk

Statement of Community Involvement

2

Links to other documents5

page 10

Contents

Introduction and purpose

Profile of Birmingham

Preparing the Statement ofCommunity Involvement (SCI)

1

2

3

page 5

page 6

page 8Principles for consultation

6page 11

The planning systema) The Local Development Frameworkb) Planning Applications

4page 9

Conclusion

Appendices

Contact


3

11page 35

page 36

page 43Monitoring the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) -how do we know if it’s working?

9

page 33

Resources10

page 34Consultation: our minimum standards

a) Planning Documentsb) Planning Applications

How we will consult: whichtechniques to use and when

7

8

page 13

page 27


4

1.1 The Statement of Community Involvement(SCI) sets out how we will encourage more peopleto participate in decision-making in Planning. Thedocument sets out our minimum standards forconsultation on new policies and planningapplications. However, we want to deliver morethan the minimum standards and ensure that theplanning system responds to the needs of localcommunities. The SCI shows how we plan toachieve this by:

Making our consultation more effective for thosewho are already giving us their views.

Encouraging more people to take part inconsultation.

Finding new ways to make consultation moremeaningful and accessible to enable those whocan’t (or prefer not to) attend meetings to maketheir views known to us.


5

Introduction and purpose1

2.1 Birmingham is the largest local authority in thecountry and the regional centre for the WestMidlands. The City is part of the West Midlandsconurbation extending from Wolverhampton in thewest to Solihull in the east.

2.2 According to the Office for National Statistics,Birmingham’s population in 2005 was just over 1million. The City extends to 26,777 hectares (267.8square kilometres), of which about 15,200 hectaresare residential. The overall population density of37.4 persons per hectare is much greater than theEnglish average of 3.85.

2.3 The City has a relatively youthful population.About 45% of residents are younger than 30,compared with the national (England) average of37%. Indeed, the percentage of residents who areyounger than 15 is higher in Birmingham than inany other European city with a similar sizedpopulation. There are 68,000 students at the City’sUniversities, leading to high rates of populationturnover in some localities. Many students comefrom overseas, forming part of a larger flow ofinternational migrants. About 15,000 immigrantscame to Birmingham in 2004-5.

Ethnicity and religion

2.4 Birmingham’s residents are from a wide rangeof national, ethnic and religious backgrounds.According to the 2001 Census, about 66% ofresidents were White British. With 104,000residents, the Pakistani community in Birmingham isthe largest in the UK. Other large groups are ofIndian, Black Caribbean, Irish and Bangladeshiorigin. Most groups are concentrated in the innerparts of the City. There are major differencesbetween the groups in terms of housing, the labourmarket, health and age structure. Immigration inrecent years has seen the City’s diversity increaseas people arrive from a wider range of countries.

2.5 Nearly 60% of residents described themselvesas Christian, 14% as Muslim, 2% as Sikh and 2% asHindu. 14% identified with no religion.

Jobs and employment

2.6 In 2004, there were over 490,000 jobs inBirmingham. In 2001 there were about 160,000people commuting into Birmingham from elsewhere- mostly from other parts of the West Midlandsregion. Despite this, the percentage of the City’sresidents who are ‘economically active’ (working orseeking work) is below the national average. Theunemployment rate is relatively high.

2.7 The percentage of the City’s residents workingas managers or senior officials is below the nationalaverage; Birmingham has above averageproportions working as machine/plant operators, orin unskilled occupations.

Housing

2.8 In 2001, the Census recorded nearly 391,000households in Birmingham. The average householdsize of 2.46 persons was higher than the nationalaverage of 2.36. The City has high relatively highpercentage of large and small households: theformer reflecting family sizes in some BME groups,the latter reflecting the large numbers of singleyoung people in the City. About 33% of householdshad dependent children, including 10% who werelone parents.

2.9 60% of households were owner-occupiers,compared with the national average of 69%. TheCity had a relatively high proportion living in Councilor Housing Association accommodation.

2.10 In recent years the City has seen major newresidential developments and substantial clearanceprogrammes. Between 2001 and 2006, about16,000 dwellings have been completed, while 6,700have been demolished. Many of the new dwellingsare apartments within the City Centre.


6

Profile of Birmingham2

Deprivation

2.11 According the 2004 Index of Deprivation,38% of Birmingham’s residents live in areas thatrank among the most deprived 10% in England.


7

3.1 We began by sending out a questionnaire tocommunity groups and individuals who havepreviously made comments on the BirminghamPlan. The questionnaire asked for people’s views onhow best we should consult them, which methodswere most effective and whether they wished to beinvolved in developing policies, or to comment onplanning applications or both.

3.2 Over 300 replies were received and we haveused these to inform the draft SCI. However, onlypeople who have previously taken part inconsultation, or have commented on theBirmingham Plan, received the questionnaire. Animportant aspect of the SCI is that it will enable awider range of people to participate, includingthose who have not previously had anyinvolvement. The questionnaire should thereforeonly be seen as an initial stage in a morecomprehensive consultation. Information was alsoused to draft the SCI from the Equality ImpactNeed Assessment (EINA) on the UnitaryDevelopment Plan (UDP).

3.3 We also held two workshops where communitygroups were invited to discuss Planning issues andin particular how we consult them and the extent towhich the system enables them to take part andinfluence decisions.


8

Preparing the Statement ofCommunity Involvement (SCI)

3

(a) THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENTFRAMEWORK

4.1 The Local Development Framework (LDF) willeventually replace the Birmingham UnitaryDevelopment Plan. The LDF will be in the form of a‘folder’ containing several documents. As newplanning documents are adopted by the Councilthey will be added to the LDF folder.

4.2 There are two new kinds of documents: thefirst is the Development Plan Document (DPD): amajor policy document, which may allocate land forspecific uses or set out important city-wide policies– for example for the protection of the Green Belt.There are some essential DPDs: they include theCore Strategy and adopted proposals map, otherssuch as Area Action Plans will be added whererequired. For more information see the LocalDevelopment Scheme atwww.birmingham.gov.uk/LDS. A DPD will have theweight of development plan status and is subject toa Public Inquiry.

4.3 The second type of new document is theSupplementary Planning Document (SPD). Thisdocument will support policies and proposals in theDevelopment Plan. It has less weight than aDevelopment Plan Document but it does clarify andadd detail to policies. The recently produced“Access for People with Disabilities” is an exampleof a SPD.

4.4 The LDF will also contain a timetable for theproduction of major documents (a LocalDevelopment Scheme); a record of progress ondelivering policies, submitted annually toGovernment Office West Midlands (an AnnualMonitoring Report); and the SCI itself.

4.5 The types of documents we will produce asDevelopment Plan Documents and SupplementaryPlanning Documents include:

Core Strategy (DPD): this will eventually replacethe Birmingham Plan along with other DPDs andwill set out the vision, objectives and spatialstrategy for the City.

Area-based planning policies (usually DPDs):these will include Area Action Plans andframeworks for major regeneration areas.

Additional city-wide planning policies (mostlySPDs): some of these documents will expand uponstrategic policies contained within the BirminghamPlan, others will be policies addressing specificissues (e.g car parking standards).

(b) PLANNING APPLICATIONS

4.6 Planning applications vary greatly – from asimple household extension to a multi-millionpound regeneration project affecting thousands ofpeople. The appropriate level of consultation willdepend on the scale of the impact, with the SCIsetting out minimum requirements for each level.

4.7 The Council’s performance in determiningplanning applications is monitored. The Councilaims to determine most applications within eightweeks. The requirement for monitoring is notaffected by the changes to the planning system.


9

The planning system4

5.1 Planning documents are not produced inisolation. They link to a range of other plans andpolicies produced by the City Council and otherorganisations. The following are of particularimportance:

5.2 The Community Strategy. (Now known as theSustainable Community Strategy). This aims toestablish the key priorities for improving theeconomic, social and environmental well-being ofBirmingham. It is produced by the BirminghamStrategic Partnership, (BSP) which brings togetherthe City Council, public agencies, andrepresentatives of the business and voluntarysectors. Our planning policies should reflect theobjectives of the Community Strategy, and to assistthis the BSP has agreed a series of principleswhich will be used to guide the process ofpreparing land use plans. By working closely withthe Birmingham Strategic Partnership and any othergroups flowing from the Sustainable CommunityStrategy the Council will ensure that the LocalDevelopment Framework is closely integrated withthe Sustainable Community Strategy.

5.3 Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Thisprovides planning policies at the regional level. It isproduced by the Regional Planning Body, andapproved by the national government, after aprocess involving extensive consultation. The RSSforms part of the development plan, and ourplanning policies should be consistent with it.

5.4 Consultation and Engagement Strategy.This sets out the Council’s overall approach toconsulting and engaging with the community. TheSCI will reflect the general principles, which itestablishes.

5.5 Birmingham Compact. The BirminghamCompact constitutes an agreement between theBirmingham Strategic Partnership (BSP) and thevoluntary and community sector in Birmingham. Itrepresents a commitment of the BSP to establish anew relationship between the statutory, communityand voluntary sectors in the City. It provides aframework within which the relationship betweenstatutory and voluntary sectors can be developedand strengthened.

5.6 In addition to these strategies, a wide range ofother documents can also be relevant - for examplethe West Midlands Local Transport Plan, theEconomic Strategy, and the Housing Strategy.


10

Links to other documents5

6.1 We have identified a number of key principles,which should underpin all of our consultation work.These are:

a) We will consult early in the development process- this will help to ensure that the views of thecommunity, specific consultation bodies, developersand businesses are fed into the process at theoutset. Early engagement is one of thegovernment’s objectives in reviewing the planningsystem.

b) Use appropriate consultation methods for eachdocument and for each community.

c) Use plain English for all documents.

d) Be prepared to experiment with a wide range ofinnovative consultation methods.

e) Ensure that everyone, including people fromunder-represented groups, is encouraged to takepart.


11

Principles for consultation6

Good practice: meeting the needs of a diverse community

A number of initiatives are already under way to ensure that no-one, particularly people from ‘under-represented’ groups, is excluded from our consultation.

Planning Officers regularly attend the Access Committee, an independent group which includesrepresentatives from a range of voluntary groups representing people with varying types of disabilities. TheAccess Committee considers major planning applications and planning policies and ensures that developerstake account of accessibility issues.

The Young People’s Focus Group (see below) also considers planning applications and inputs to plan preparation and makes comments on behalf of young people in Birmingham. Citizenship projects in schools

have also helped to raise young people’s awareness of their role in influencing the future of the city.

Good practice: help for disadvantagedcommunities and individuals

West Midlands Planning Aid Service (WMPAS)provides free and independant advice tocommunities and individuals who cannot affordprofessional help and who will not benefitfinancially from a planning permission. Pleasecontact WMPAS by telephone on (0121) 766 8044

or by e-mail at: [email protected]

f) Work with others (both within the Council andelsewhere) to avoid duplication wherever possible.

g) Be aware of ‘consultation fatigue’ and aim toavoid going back to the same groups again andagain.

h) Work with partner organisations and use existingnetworks wherever possible, such as regional andsub-regional partnerships.

i) Respect people’s privacy - their right not to takepart.

j) Feed back the outcomes from consultation.

k) Monitor the effectiveness of consultation and beprepared to make changes.


12

(a) PLANNING DOCUMENTS

7.1 The processes for consulting on policydocuments are outlined in tables 7.1 and 7.3 belowfor both DPDs and SPDs. In each case we showthe stages in the development of the documentand highlight the stages at which formalconsultation will take place. It is important to notethat there are legal requirements at certain stagesin the process, which we are obliged to follow. Thismeans, for example, that at certain stages theperiod allowed for comments or objections islimited, and it will not be possible for latecomments to be accepted.

7.2 In producing Local Development Documents aLocal Planning Authority must comply with theEuropean Union Directive 2001/42/EC(incorporated into English law by virtue of theStrategic Environmental Assessment Regulations2004) which requires a formal strategicenvironmental assessment (Sustainability Appraisal)of all its Local Development Documents. TheSustainability Appraisal is intended to improve theplanning systems ability to promote sustainabledevelopment through the better integration ofsustainability issues into the plan-making process. Itis a process which begins from the earliest stagesof the plan preparation. It should identify the likelysignificant effects of the plan and the extent towhich implementation of the plan will achieve thesocial, environmental and economic objectives bywhich sustainable development can be defined.

7.3 A Sustainability Appraisal Report will bepublished alongside the draft and submissionDevelopment Plan Documents as well as draftSupplementary Planning Documents. This reportshould provide evidence which shows how theplan has been revised to take into account thefindings of the Sustainability Appraisal.

7.4 Tables 7.2, 7.4, 7.5 that follow, set out theminimum levels of consultation, which we willundertake at each formal consultation stage for aDPD, SPD and SCI. The SCI is subject to specificstatutory requirements. It is important to note thatthese are minimum standards. In most cases wewill aim to exceed these standards. The tables referto Specific Consultation Bodies and GeneralConsultation Bodies to reflect the requirements ofthe Development Plan regulations. A list of thegroups and organisations included under theseheadings is contained in Appendix B.


13

Consultation: our minimum standards7


14

7.1 Deuelopment Plan Document (DPD)

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Evidence gathering

Identify issues and prepare options in consultation

Public participation on preferred options

Consider representations on preferred options

Preparation of Submission DPD

Submit DPD to Secretary of State and undertakeStatutory 6 week consultation period

Consider representations on submitted DPDShould alternative representations be received on a

document that is concernerd with allocations of land, theCouncil will undertake a further statutory six week

consultation period on these alternatives

Public examination with Planning Inspector

Binding report

Adoption of DPD

Stage 1 - Pre productionInvolves working with the keypartners including the communityto survey and gather evidence tosupport the document.

Stage 2 - ProductionAddress issues identified in Stage1 by preparing a range of options.Ensure community and keypartners are involved. At this stagethere is a statutory 6 weekconsultation period wheresupporting comments andobjections can be made. After the6 week consultation all commentsreceived will be considered. TheDPD will then be prepared andsubmitted to the Secretary of State.A further 6 week consultationperiod is then undertaken.

Stage 3 - ExaminationAll comments received will beconsidered at a public examinationheld before an independantPlanning Inspector.

Stage 4 - AdoptionAfter the examination the Inspectorwill produce a ‘binding report’,which may include changes to theDPD. The Council is required toadopt the submitted DPD with thechanges.

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

Key

Formal consultation stages are highlighted in dark grey

�

7.2 Our minimum standards for a Development Plan Document (DPD)

Stages of Consultation Consultation Method Types of Groups Involved

Identify issues and prepare Consult by letter the Specific Consultation Central Governmentoptions in consultation. Bodies and General Consultation Bodies as Regional Government

the City Council considers appropriate. Local GovernmentDevelopers/Business/

Publish on Council’s website. LandownersSpecificConsultationBodiesResidents Associations/Neighbourhood ForumsCouncillors and MP’s Other voluntary groups

Public Participation on Make available at the main Local Authority General PublicPreferred Options, a Statutory office (currently Alpha Tower) and also to view Residents Associations/6 week Consultation Period. at the appropriate Libraries and Neighbourhood Forums

Neighbourhood Offices.

Publish on Council’s website. General PublicCouncillors and MP’sLocal GovernmentDevelopers/Business/LandownersResidents Associations/Neighbourhood Forums

Press Release. General Public

Refer to relevant District/Ward Committee District Directorsand/or District Strategic Partnership. Councillors and MP’s

General Public

Send Letters to Specific Consultation Bodies to Central Governmentadvise them of consultation with relevant DPD Regional Governmentdocuments attached, also to General Local GovernmentConsultation Bodies which the City Council SpecificConsultationBodiesthinks the DPD affects and General Consultation Bodies as the City Council considers appropriate.

Advertisement in local newspapers advising General Publicof consultation.


15


After submitting the DPD to Make copies of the documents available for SpecificConsultationBodiesSec of State, undertake a inspection at the same places as at the General PublicStatutory 6 week consultation stage i.e AlphaTower and appropriate Residents Associations/Consultation Period. Libraries and Neighbourhood Offices. Neighbourhood Forums

(The Town and Country Publish on Council’s website. General PublicPlanning Regulations specify Councillors and MP’sthe notification procedures Local Governmentfor representations and Developers/Business/Independent Examination LandownersStage). Residents Associations/

Neighbourhood Forums

Advertisement in Local newspapers advising General Publicof Submitted DPD.

Give notice to those persons who requestedto be notified of the Submission of the DPD.

Send letters to Specific Consultation Bodies toadvise them of consultation with relevant DPDdocuments attached, also General ConsultationBodies which the City Council thinks the DPDaffects and considers appropriate.

Any alternative representations Make copies of the alternative proposals As above.received, if a document is available for inspection at the same places asconcerned with allocations of at the submission stage of consultation, land, will be advertised for a including the Council’s website.statutory 6 week period inaccordance with Regulation 32.

Adoption of DPD. Make copies of the documents available for General PublicAs soon as reasonably inspection at the same places in the Residents Associations/practical after the DPD consultation stage i.e AlphaTower and appropriate Neighbourhood Forumsadoption the City Council will: Libraries and Neighbourhood Offices.


Place advertisements in local newspapers. General Public

Write to any person who asked to be notifiedof the adopted DPD.

Send DPD and adoption statement to the Central GovernmentSecretary of State.


16


17

7.3 Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Evidence gathering

Prepare Draft SPD

Public participation on draft SPD

Consider representations and finalise draft

Adopt SPD

Stage 1 - Pre productionInvolves working with the keypartners including the communityto survey and gather evidence andto identify issues to help with thepreparation of the document.

Stage 2 - ProductionThis will initially involve looking atand assessing the evidencegathered at the pre-productionstage. A draft SPD will beproduced taking into account thisevidence. This document will thenbe published for a statutory 4-6week consultation period duringwhich supporting or objectingcomments can be made. Copies ofthe document will be sent to bothSpecific and General ConsultationBodies as appropriate. Alldocuments will be made availableat the Planning Office and theBirmingham City Council website.A notice of the period of publicparticipation will also be advertisedin the local press.

Stage 3 - AdoptionThe representations receivedduring the consultation period willbe carefully considered and astatement setting out the mainissues will be prepared. Thissummary will address how theseissues have been addressed, or thereasons for not addressing them, inthe final ‘adopted’ SPD.

�

�

�

�

Key

Formal consultation stage is highlighted in dark grey

7.4 Our minimum standards for a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)


Public Participation on Draft Make available at the main Local Authority General PublicSPD, 6 week Statutory office (Alpha Tower) and also to view at the Developers/Business/Consultation period. appropriate Libraries and Neighbourhood Landowners

Offices. SpecificConsultationBodiesResidents Associations/Neighbourhood ForumsOther Voluntary Groups

Publish on Council’s website. General PublicCouncillors and MP’sLocal GovernmentDevelopers/BusinessResidents Associations/Neighbourhood Forums

Send Letters to Specific Consultation Bodies to Central Governmentadvise them of consultation with relevant SPD Regional Governmentdocuments attached and General Consultation Local GovernmentBodies as the City Council considers SpecificConsultationBodiesappropriate. Residents Associations/

Neighbourhood Forums

Advertisement in Local newspapers advisingof consultation.

Adoption of SPD. Make copies of the documents available for General PublicAs soon as reasonably inspection at the same places in the Residents Associations/practical after the SPD consultation stage i.e Alpha Tower and Neighbourhood Forumsadoption the City Council will: appropriate Libraries and Neighbourhood

Offices.

Publish on website. General PublicCouncillors and MP’sLocal GovernmentDevelopers/Business/LandownersResidents Associations/Neighbourhood Forums

Write to any person who asked to be notifiedof the adopted SPD.


18

7.5 Our minimum standards for the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)


Identify issues and prepare Consult by letter the Specific Consultation Central Governmentoptions in consultation. Bodies and General Consultation Bodies as the Local Government

the City Council considers appropriate. SpecificConsultationBodiesResidents Associations/Neighbourhood Forums

In addition the Regional Planning Body and Regional GovernmentParish Councils whose boundary adjoins Developers/Business/Birmingham and the Highways Agency will be Landownersconsulted at this stage. Other Voluntary Groups

Public Participation on draft SCI, Make available at the main Local Authority General Publica Statutory 6 week office (Alpha Tower) and also to view at the Residents Associations/Consultation Period. appropriate Libraries and Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Forums

Offices.



District Committees and/or District Strategic District DirectorPartnership.

Send Letters to Specific Consultation Bodies Central Governmentto advise them of consultation with relevant Regional GovernmentSCI documents attached, and General Local GovernmentConsultation Bodies as the City Council SpecificConsultationBodiesconsiders appropriate.

Advertisement in local newspapers advising General Publicof consultation.


19


Statutory 6 week Consultation Make copies of the documents available for SpecificConsultationBodies Period following submission inspection at the same places as at the General Publicof the SCI to the Secretary consultation stage i.eAlphaTower and appropriate Residents Associations/of State. Libraries and Neighbourhood Offices. Neighbourhood Forums

(The Town and Country Publish on Council’s website. General PublicPlanning Regulations specify Councillors and MP’sthe notification procedures Local Governmentfor representations and Developers/BusinessIndependent Examination Residents Associations/Stage). Neighbourhood Forums


Send copies to the relevant bodies. Central GovernmentRegional GovernmentLocal GovernmentSpecificConsultationBodiesResidents Associations/Neighbourhood Forums

Advertisement in local newspapers advising General Publicof Submitted SCI.

Give notice to those persons who requestedto be notified of the Submission of the SCI.

Send letters to Specific Consultation Bodies toadvise them of consultation with relevant DPDdocuments attached, also General ConsultationBodies which the City Council thinks the DPDaffects and considers appropriate.

Adoption of the SCI. Make copies of the documents available for General Publicinspection at the same places as at the Residents Associations/

As soon as reasonably consultation stage i.e AlphaTower and appropriate Neighbourhood Forumspractical after the SCI’s Libraries and Neighbourhood Offices.adoption the City Council will:


Advertisement in Local newspapers advising General Publicof consultation.

Write to any person who asked to be notifiedof the adopted SCI.

Send SCI and adoption statement to the Central GovernmentSecretary of State.


20


21

7.10 In some circumstances there may also be aneed for consultation materials to be translated intolanguages other than English, but this will dependon the area of the City, and the issues raised. Theneed for translations will therefore be consideredon a case by case basis. Assistance in the form ofinterpreters will also be made available if required.

Ongoing involvement

7.5 We will provide information to keep peopleinvolved in the process and inform those peoplewhose details are on our database of ongoingopportunities for giving their views.

7.6 Where people have given their views on adocument we will consult them at subsequentstages of the document. The Council will preparereports at the end of the consultation periodexplaining how views have been changed in light ofthe community involvement. These reports will bemade publicly available at Libraries andNeighbourhood Offices city-wide, at City CouncilReception on the 9th floor of Alpha Tower and onthe Council’s website: www.birmingham.gov.uk

7.7 We will aim to use a variety of techniques and consultation methods to ensure people who have not previously been involved have opportunities to give us their views, and in many cases we expect to exceed the minimum standards set out in tables7.2, 7.4 and 7.5. Section 8 gives details of the rangeof consultation techniques, which we will use in appropriate circumstances.

7.8 Birmingham is a young and diverse city, as theprofile in paragraph 2.3 demonstrates. It willtherefore be particularly important to ensure thatthe techniques we use aim to encourageinvolvement from young people and from thediversity of ethnic groups who live within the City.In selecting the range of techniques to be used wewill seek to encourage all sections of thecommunity to respond, including these groups, butalso including those other groups who aresometimes identified as ‘hard to reach’ (such as theelderly, women and people with disabilities).

7.9 Consultation materials will be made available inlarge print, Braille, or other formats if required, andwe will ensure that venues used for meetings orconsultation events are accessible to people withdisabilities. This will apply to DPDs, SPDs, SCI andplanning applications.


22

7.6 Planning Applications

Planning application received

Check and acknowledge application

Notify people whomay be affected

Negotiate if necessary

or

Application approved or refused

Pre application discussionsBefore submitting an applicationdiscussions are often held. See7.12-7.19.

Submission of applicationAt the submission stage if theapplication is incomplete furtherinformation/fee may be requested.If the application is complete it isregistered and acknowledged.

ApplicationAt this negotiation stage furtherconsultation and participation maybe necessary.

DecisionA report will be prepared andeither taken to Planning Committeefor determination or the decisionmay be made by the Director ofPlanning and Regeneration.

After the application is approved orrefused a decision notice is thenissued. If the application is refusedthe applicant can appeal to theSecretary of State. The applicantcan also appeal if they areunhappy with any conditionsattached to the permission.

�

Key

Formal consultation stages are highlighted in dark grey

(b) PLANNING APPLICATIONS

7.11 Tables 7.6 and 7.7 set out the process fordetermining planning applications and the minimumpublicity requirements which the City Council will apply.

�

�

Site visit

Consult with otherinterested

organisations andrelevant statutory

bodies

� �

Decision made by theDirector of Planningand Regeneration

� �

�

Decision made byPlanning Committee

Note: In a few cases applications may need to be referred to theSecretary of State via the Government Office for the West Midlands.e.g. departures or referrals.


7.7 Our minimum publicity requirements for Planning Applications

Type of Applications Minimum Publicity Statutory Requirement

ApplicationsRequiring an Environmental Assessment. That do not comply with the policies in the Press and site notice.Development Plan.Affecting a public right of way.‘Major’ applications*.

Applications forListed Building Consent.Conservation Area Consent. Press and site notice.Development affecting the setting of a ListedBuilding or appearance or character to a Conservation Area.

All other applications. Either a Site Notice or a letter to adjoiningowners/occupiers.

In the majority of cases we will always send letters to adjoining owners/occupiers and this exceeds theminimum publicity requirements as set out above.

* The Government defines major applications as those comprising owners/occupiers development of more than 10dwellings or covering more than 0.5 hectares, or commercial properties of over 1,000 square metres of floor space or asite area of one hectare.

Before the application is made

7.12 We encourage applicants and their agents tohold informal discussions with the Council,statutory consultees and their neighbours beforeapplying for planning permission. This is particularlyimportant on major development projects, wherethe proposed schemes are of strategic significance,where there is likely to be significant or widespreadinterest in the proposals or where they are likely toraise contentious or controversial issues.Sometimes this consultation is informal, perhaps byshowing plans to residents who may be affected,while a large scale application, for example for aresidential development, new retail store ordevelopment generating additional traffic or parkingwithin the area, might involve an exhibition or publicmeeting organised by the applicant. Thisconsultation can have positive outcomes asaddressing issues early on in the process canreduce the amount of comments that could occurlater and help speed up the process.

23

7.13 It is recognised that there are sometimescommercial sensitivities around a proposal. Anysuch confidential information brought to theCouncil’s attention at the pre-application stage, willremain confidential at that time. However, theCouncil will encourage the applicant to involve thecommunity at the pre application stage in suchproposals.

7.14 When applicants have consulted withcommunities before making their application weask them to write a report on the consultation,including the points raised by the residents andhow they were addressed. This should be includedin the Design and Access Statement submittedwith the application. In addition applicants couldsubmit a seperate statement in addition to theDesign and Access Statement as the results of pre-application consultation may cover wider issuesthan those proposed in the Design and AccessStatement, these points can then be cross referredto in the Design and Access Statement.

Notifying adjoining residents regardingplanning applications

7.18 Press Notices, Site Notices and individualletters to residents will say where the plans areavailable for inspection, how to comment on theapplication, and how to address the PlanningCommittee, if requested. Letters are normally sentout within 3 days of the application being accepted.Residents may also be told if amended plans arereceived while the application is being determinedif they have significant implications for residents.

7.15 It is recognised that pre-applicationconsultation can have resource and costimplications for all parties, but it is considered thatthis will be largely offset by the reduced need tonegotiate amendments during the applicationprocess, and will lead to both quicker decisionmaking and a better quality development.

7.16 Any pre-application discussions are informaland can not prejudice subsequent decisions onplanning applications. If another councildepartment is proposing to submit a planningapplication for development, it will be encouragedto carry out the same level of pre-applicationconsultation outlined above.

7.17 In Birmingham we already undertake a rangeof activities, in addition to the minimum statutoryrequirements, to enable local communities to getinvolved in the planning process. These methodsare listed in the table below and the stages atwhich we use them.


24

7.8 Our methods of Community Involvement in relation to all Planning Applications

Pre-application(Not carried outby the LocalPlanning Authority)

Application

Post application

Appeal

Weeklylist*

Website

Neighbournotification**

Sitenotice

Statutorynewspaper

advert

Exhibitionof plans

Pressrelease

Publicmeetings

Planningreception

Applicationsavailable

electronicallyin Libraries

All Planning Applications

Stages ofApplication

Methods

* The weekly list is provided for community groups, it is also on the Council’s website and details of current applicationscan be viewed and comments can be made, at website www.birmingham.gov.uk/weeklylist and details of currentapplications can be viewed and comments can be made, via the website on planning online at:www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline

** Neighbour notification includes writing to individual households and writing to nearby neighbours, rather than just thosedirectly adjoining, for applications likely to generate wider public interest.

Key All applications Some applicationsdepending on sizeand complexity

Availability of plans and applications

7.19 People have 21 days to view the applicationor plans and make comments. The period of 21days is a minimum standard time to receivecomments. This can be extended where plans areamended or where other legislation requires alonger consultation period and we will acceptcomments up until the day that the decision ismade. Applications are available in libraries,neighbourhood offices and Planning Reception atAlpha Tower (this information is included in theletters sent to residents and in the site and pressnotices). Details and plans of applications receivedafter the 1st December 2005 are available on thewebsite: www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline


25

Commenting on applications

7.20 By law any comments made must be madepublicly available, along with a list of people whohave been notified about a planning application.The Council cannot acknowledge receipt ofcomments but anyone who has commented will benotified of the final decision. The results of any suchconsultation will be reported and taken intoaccount in decisions made by, and on behalf of, theCouncil.

7.21 Comments can be made in writing, by phoneor online. Any queries can be made by letter,phone, e-mail or fax. Assistance can also beprovided for residents who require an interpreter orhave difficulty viewing plans because of a disability.

Residents’ Associations, amenity societies,forums and committees

7.22 Planning Management keep a database ofthese groups. They are notified of applications(apart from minor household and advertisementapplications) in their area, unless they askotherwise. We support the establishment ofresidents’ groups and focus groups in areas wherethere are development pressures or where there isno local group representing residents. PlanningDirect manages the database and can update itwith details of new groups. Planning Direct isavailable for general enquiries on whether youneed planning permission, information on planningapplications, tree preservation orders and highhedge complaints. Telephone: (0121) 303 1115. E-mail: [email protected]

7.23 Ward and district committees are heldregularly and members of either committee canrequest that an application be discussed at thecommittee. Local residents can ask questions ormake comments regarding the application. Theviews of the ward or district committees arereported back to Planning Committee by thePlanning Officer.

7.24 There is also an opportunity for residents tospeak at the Planning Committee.

Good practice: the Council’s website

The City Council’s website is an important tool forenabling more people to take part in decision-making in Planning. On it you can find out:

Information on planning applications since 1948.

Submit comments on current applications.

Read Planning Committee reports, agendas andminutes.

Complain about a development which may havebeen built without permission.

Read planning policy documents.

Find out how to speak at Planning Committee.

Find general advice on planning matters.

View applications and plans online (for thosereceived after 1st December 2005).

Find more information at:

www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningapplicationsandwww.birmingham.gov.uk/planningpolicy

7.27 If permission is granted but the developmentdoes not take place in accordance with theapproved plans, residents may ask the Council toinvestigate. This may result in the scheme beingamended. If a subsequent application is submittedconsultation will be carried out as above.

7.28 A complaints procedure is available forresidents who believe that the Council has notacted properly during any part of the process.

After the decision on the application hasbeen made

7.25 Anyone who has commented on anapplication will be informed of the final decisionwithin five days. We encourage applicants to informnearby residents of any likely disruption due tohours of construction or road closures.

7.26 If planning permission is refused for adevelopment, the applicant may appeal to thePlanning Inspectorate within six months of therefusal. If an appeal is received, the Council will letresidents know and give them the opportunity tomake further representations to the PlanningInspectorate directly. The Council will send to theInspectorate any letters received concerning theoriginal application.


26

Good practice: the Young People’s Focus Group (YPFG)

The views of teenagers are rarely taken into account in local government decision-making. We have begunto address this through the YPFG, whose members get together every two months to comment on majorplanning applications and new policies.

Originally the group was made up of people who were interested in Planning as a career (and indeed severalformer members have gone on to full-time study or employment in the field). However, more recently thegroup has been expanded in an effort to make it more representative of young people in Birmingham as awhole.

The group’s views are included in officers’ reports to Planning Committee and taken into consideration whenthe Councillors make their decisions. The Committee’s decisions are then reported back to the YPFG.

The group has been particularly valuable not only in helping to ensure young people’s voices are heardbut also in building links between the Council and minority ethnic communities in the city.

Good practice: speaking at Planning Committee

By prior arrangement a local resident or residents (or spokesperson for a group), applicants, or their agentsmay speak for up to three minutes in total at Planning Committee when a particular planning application isdiscussed. They may speak in favour of, or against, the granting of planning permission.

This has enabled more people to make their voices heard and gives the community direct access to thedecision-making process on planning applications that go to committee, not applications that are delegated toplanning officers.

More information on speaking at meetings can be found on the Council’s website at:www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningspeakers

Techniques

8.1 A wide range of consultation methods isavailable. In each case a range of appropriatemethods should be used and this will be differentfor each planning document or planningapplication.

Deciding ‘what’s likely to work’ in each case willdepend on:

The target audience – eg their level ofexperience of planning issues.

The nature of the issues – which, along with thelocation, will determine who is likely to take partin the consultation.

The stage in the process (eg early in theconsultation we may need a fairly general level ofinformation from a wide range of people; thelatter stages may focus more on identifyingoutstanding objections.

The resources available – including staff timeand also that the consultation seeks value formoney for the consultation work undertaken.

Outcomes from previous consultations in thesame area – if we used a particular techniquewhich proved unsuccessful in that communitythere is little point using the same techniqueagain.

The purpose of the exercise – a fundamentalissue which is overlooked surprisingly often. It iseasy to make the mistake of consulting ‘becausethat’s what we have to do’ rather thanestablishing from the outset what we want toachieve by consulting.


27

How we will consult: whichtechniques to use and when

8

Method

Written information

Council website.

E-mail.

Exhibition.(In local venue withboards, maps andinformation - but noplanning officer present).


28

‘Pros’

Easily accessible topeople with a PC.

Easy/cheap to update.

Links to widerinformation.

People from further afieldable to take part.

Easy to send.

Easy to include lots ofinformation.

Relatively cheap.

Can be left in place overa long period.

People can commentanonymously if theyprefer.

Low staff cost.

‘Cons’

Limited access.

Likely to be mostaccessible to peoplewho already find us easyto contact.

Can be difficult tonavigate through pages.

Impersonal.

Too easy to include toomuch detail and to sendto people whose interestis peripheral.

Not everyone has accessto it.

Attachments can bedifficult to open -depends on internetconnection.

People can’t askquestions or clarifypoints.

Usually only a limitednumber take part(depends on venue).

Maps etc. costly toproduce especially asthey probably can’t beused for any otherconsultation.

Many people havedifficulty interpretingmaps and plans.

When we will use

When views wanted onspecific points.

Useful where widerparticipation (beyondlocal area) needed.

When contacting peoplewho are alreadyengaged.

As for letter.

In conjunction with othermethods (especiallysessions with staffpresent).

As ‘confirmation’following initialconsultation - ‘this iswhat you told us - havewe got it right? Have wemissed anything?’.


29

Method

‘Forward’.(Birmingham CityCouncil magazine).

Letter.

Newsletter.

Questionnaire.

Statutory notice.(Site notice or pressnotice).

‘Pros’

Regularly sent out.

Comes through the door.


Gives information andreader has option ofwhether to get involved.

Easy and accessible.


Targeted at specific area.

Can generate lots ofdata.

Can provide a statisticallyvalid cross-section ofviews.

Useful for informing‘professionals’ involved inthe planning process.

‘Cons’

‘Our’ issue may be lostamong other information.

May not be read.

Only goes to ‘people weknow already’.

Expensive and time-consuming.

May not be read.

Only useful for fairly‘general’ views.

Often limited response.

Analysis can be time-consuming.

Can be costly to get astatically valid outcome.

Limited details.

Limited audience.

Impersonal.

May not be noticed andmay be difficult tounderstand.

When we will use

Useful for reporting onconsultation outcomes towider community orinforming people offorthcoming events anddraw attention toconsultation processes.

For initial contact or earlyin process (eg. informingpeople of planningapplication orforthcoming consultationon a DPD/SPD.

For re-consultingpeople/groups who havealready commented at anearlier stage.

For feeding backoutcomes followingconsultation.

During consultation eg.to summarise DPD/SPDor to invite comments.

Evidence gatheringstage.

When asking which ofseveral options peopleprefer or their priorities.

When statutorilyrequired.


30

Method

Face-to-face

Arts project- including drama, video,music etc.

‘Community PlanningDay’- interactive sessionswith plans, stickers,flipcharts and groupsessions.

Focus group.(Small group drawn froma range of backgrounds,brought together todiscuss a particularissue).

Forum/workshop.

Informal meeting ordiscussion - ‘tell us what you thinkabout...’

‘Pros’

Good for involving youngpeople and people whomight not be interestedin more traditionalevents.

Excellent way to bringcommunity together andgenerate a local ‘vision’.

Enjoyable - people liketaking part.

Good for ‘snapshot’ ofcommunity views.

Can generateunexpected ideas.

Informal discussion -preferred by somegroups (eg. youngpeople).

Can highlight wide rangeof issues and generatelots of information.

Good for everyone butespecially for childrenand young people -unthreatening and ‘ontheir terms’.

Can be used to recruitparticipants for moredetailed work.

‘Cons’

Need expertise todeliver.

May be expensive.

May be seen as‘frivolous’ by others.

Requires lots of time andenergy to organise anddeliver.

Expensive.

Can’t be sure views arerepresentative.

Needs trainedfacilitator(s).

Needs several staff todeliver effectively -expensive.

Needs skilled notetakers.

Relatively demanding forparticipants.

Unstructured -sometimes meeting can‘lose its way’ and fail togenerate anything useful.

When we will use

At any stage when tryingto involve a wider rangeof participants.

To generate ideas earlyin process.

Relatively early - whenwe need to generateideas or choose from arange of options.

Early in proccess - togenerate ideas andpriorities.

Later in process can beused to get views on‘projects and prioritiesidentified so far’.

To involve groups whoare difficult to engagewith more formalprocesses.


31

Method

Other communitymeeting.(Planning issue as oneitem on agenda).

‘Planning for Real’- interactive communityexercise based on 3Dmodel of localcommunity (peoplemake suggestions byplacing cards on model).

Public meeting.

‘Pros’

Usually guaranteedaudience.

Not ‘Council-led’ so localpeople may feel moreable to speak up.

Good for reachingpeople who aren’tnormally involved.

Everyone can see veryquickly what’s requiredof them.

Suggestions areanonymous - peopleconcentrate on issuesrather than personalities.

Highly enjoyable forcommunities.

Empowering forcommunities - puts themin charge with officers insupporting role.

Easy to organise andpublicise.

Familiar format forcommunities.

Can be held in localvenue.

Guaranteed participationby some groups.

‘Cons’

Limited time if longagenda.

May give impression thatone group has moreinfluence over planningprocess.

A long process (at leastthree months) - needscareful management tosustain interest.

Process is often misused- a much briefer and lessinvolved exercise may bewrongly described as‘Planning for Real’.

Raises hopes - verydisillusioning if it goeswrong.

Often dominated byvocal minority.

Easy to get sidetrackedinto discussions of otherissues important to thosetaking part.

Formal setting - doesn’tsuit everyone.

Dependant on effectivechairing and organisationduring meetings.

When we will use

Early in process - raiseawareness or publiciseconsultation events‘coming up’.

To report to widercommunity on outcomesfrom consultation.

To generate ideas andthen prioritise betweenthem.

Where communityincludes many under-represented groups -this process is ideal forinvolving people whohave previously nottaken part.

Best avoided forcontroversial or highprofile issues (candegenerate intoaccusations andarguments).

Good for establishingcommunity views at anearly stage.


32

Method

‘Staffed’ exhibition.

Ward/DistrictCommittee.(Existing regular Council-led local meeting).

‘Pros’

People can ask specificquestions.

Regular meeting.

Familiar format.

Useful for ensuringissues are raised ‘for therecord’ with localpoliticians.

‘Cons’

High staff cost.

Limited participation(depends on venue).

Issue can easily be lostin a very long agenda.

People may be reluctantto give own views as itmay feel like ‘theCouncillors’ meeting.

When we will use

When askingcommunities to choosebetween options or statepriorities.

Useful for reporting toCouncillors and Officerson outcomes from widerconsultation.


33

9.1 Like any other policy document the SCI needsto be monitored and, where necessary, reviewed.

9.2 We can measure how many people arecompleting questionnaires, coming to meetings orvisiting the website. These details will be helpful butmore importantly we need to know what differencethe document has made to communities’experience of the planning system. We cannotmeasure our success or failure simply by countingthe number of people who take part, although thisis important.

9.3 We will also seek to measure our performancein the following areas:

Satisfaction levels of people taking part in events(measured by responses to an evaluation carriedout at the end of the session).

Levels of participation by different groups withinthe population.

Whether different approaches we have tried (egusing a wider range of venues; better targeting ofinformation) has brought about improvements inparticipation (in both the number taking part thequality of the experience for them and thevalue/usefulness of the ideas and commentsgenerated).

Whether the responses received have influencedor led to changes in the policies/proposals beingput forward.

9.4 The procedures for producing LocalDevelopment Documents include a requirement forthe preparation of a Statement summarising thesteps taken to involve the community in the preparation of the document, and the way in whichcommunity views have been taken into account.This statement will provide an opportunity toaddress and review issues identified in para 9.3, foreach document produced.

9.5 We can also work with partner organisationswho could act as ‘critical friends’ in evaluating ourwork. The list below includes some of thosecurrently engaged but there are many other groupswho could be involved in a similar role:

The Young People’s Focus Group.

West Midlands Planning Aid.

Birmingham Community Empowerment Network.

Neighbouring local authorities.

Institute for Asian Business.

9.6 In addition it is proposed to include within theCouncil’s Annual Monitoring Report a sectionreviewing community involvement activity in relationto the preparation of LDDs. This will provide a basis for the continuous improvement of ourconsultation practice - and may in due course leadto the identification of a need for a review of theSCI itself.

Monitoring the Statement of Community Involvement(SCI) - how do we know if it’s working?

9

10.1 The preparation of the Birmingham LocalDevelopment Framework requires a flexibleapproach to resource allocation, as resources willbe required over several years.

10.2 The responsibility for producing, preparingand undertaking consultations on DPDs and SPDsfalls upon officers within Planning Strategy,Planning and Regeneration and PlanningManagement. In addition legal services will berequired throughout the process especially at thetime of independent examinations.

10.3 Other bodies including consultants who areexternal to the City Council have been appointed tosupport and to provide work such as for examplebaseline studies and Sustainability Appraisals.

10.4 The costs of consultation, producingdocuments, putting together and attending eventsand/or other techniques prescribed and the PublicInquiry will largely depend on the complexity of thedocument. Appropriate budgetary provision will bemade through the budgets for relevant serviceareas.

10.5 Monitoring the effectiveness of theconsultation will occur through the AnnualMonitoring Report. Through this process, the needfor revisions to the SCI itself will be kept underreview. Any such revisions will be subject tocommunity involvement in line with the statutoryprocedures.


34

Resources10

11.1 In producing the Statement of CommunityInvolvement we are complying with therequirements of the Planning and CompulsoryPurchase Act 2004: but even without the impetusof the new Act these are improvements we wouldwish to have delivered anyway. Enabling morepeople in Birmingham to influence decisionsaffecting the future of their communities is centralto delivering the Council’s objective of providinghigh quality services to the whole community and itwill also help us to address other areas of concern.

11.2 This will be a long, ongoing process: simplybecause we have an SCI in place we won’tsuddenly find that 100% of people in Birminghamare eager to take part in planning consultations.However, setting out our aims for wideningconsultation in a document which enables theGovernment (and indeed the community) tomeasure our progress is an important step forward.


35

Conclusion11

AMR - Annual Monitoring ReportA report which the Council is required to prepareshowing progress in preparing Local DevelopmentDocuments compared to targets in the LocalDevelopment Scheme, and monitoring theimplementation and effectiveness of its policies andproposals in Local Development Documents.

Birmingham Strategic Partnership (BSP)A city-wide group of statutory and voluntaryagencies working to develop a strategic vision forthe city and to take forward that vision. BirminghamCity Council is one of the organisations representedon the BSP.

Communities and Local GovernmentGovernment department whose responsibilitiesinclude planning matters.

Community languagesA range of languages spoken by significantnumbers of people in Birmingham, including Urdu,Hindi, Gujerati, Cantonese and others. The Councilrecognises the importance of communicating in arange of languages in a very diverse communitywith many people whose first language is notEnglish.

Data Protection ActRecent legislation intended to safeguard people’sprivacy and security by restricting the ways inwhich organisations make use of personalinformation.

Delegated authorityProcess by which Councillors may allow planningapplication to be determined by planning officers. Itis only used for very straightforward and non-controversial planning applications.

DiversityRecognising that a wide range of communities isrepresented in Birmingham. Different communitiesmay have different needs and may work in differentways. The City Council recognises, welcomes andcelebrates the diverse nature of the community itserves.

DPD - Development Plan DocumentsA Local Development Document that will have theweight of development plan status which includesthe Core Strategy.

ForesiteA network of community organisations working toencourage women to take part in the planningprocess.

Front-loadingGovernment term emphasising the need forconsultation to be timely and to be carried out earlyin the development process.

General Consultation BodiesThese groups identified in Appendix B will beconsulted where applicable on planningdocuments.

Government Office for the West Midlands(GOWM)One of a series of regional offices across England,responsible for the local delivery of Governmentpolicies and initiatives. GOWM covers Birminghamand the West Midlands region.

Institute of Asian Business (IAB)Organisation representing the interests of privatesector organisations owned or managed by Asians.The IAB is supported by Birmingham Chamber ofCommerce and Industry.

LDD - Local Development DocumentThis comprises of Development Plan Documentsand Supplementary Planning Documents, whichtogether forms the planning policies forBirmingham.

LDF - Local Development FrameworkThe folder of Local Development Documents, whichwill be the replacement to the Birmingham UnitaryDevelopment Plan.


36

Appendix:Glossary

A

LDS - Local Development SchemeThis is a three year project plan for preparing LocalDevelopment Documents, which will make up theLocal Development Framework

Planning DirectProvide general advice on planning applications.

Planning OnlineThe Councils online planning applications system:www.birmingham.gov.uk/online

Planning InspectorateThe independent body, responsible to theCommunities and Local Government, whichmonitors the work of planning authorities. Appealsagainst refusals of planning permission willgenerally be heard by a Planning Inspector througha formal hearing or by written representation.

Preferred optionsUsually when preparing a new policy or a majorplanning document officers will gather evidenceand then draft a list of ‘preferred options’. They thenconsult the local community on those options. Thisusually works well because people can beconsulted relatively early in the process, but not soearly that they ‘have nothing to go on’.

Private sectorOrganisations and individuals working on a ‘forprofit’ basis. In planning the sector includesbuilders, developers, agents and others. TheCouncil sets the framework for development (seebelow) but should take care not to imposeunnecessary difficulties or delays on developers.

Regional Planning BodyHas the responsibility of preparing the RegionalSpatial Strategy for the West Midlands Region.

Section 106 AgreementA requirement for developers to provide communityfacilities or other community benefits. It may beimposed as a condition on planning permission fora development.

Specific Consultation BodiesThese groups identified in Appendix B will beconsulted on all planning documents at theconsultation stage.

Statutory sectorIncludes the planning authority (in Birmingham, theCity Council) plus other ‘public’ agencies such asthe health authorities, police, fire and rescue,Government agencies etc. The key features of thesector are that it is independent of any interestgroup and it is under democratic control. Inplanning the role of the statutory sector is toprovide a framework for local development andensure that developers operate within thatframework.

SEA - Strategic Environmental AssessmentThis involves an assessment being made on thearea identified by a plan in the LDD.

SPD - Supplementary Planning DocumentA Local Development Document which will be partof the Local Development Framework but does nothave development plan status. They will add detailto policies and proposals contained within thedevelopment plan document.

SustainabilityThe need to ensure that development promotesresponsible use and conservation of naturalresources, often summarised as ‘meeting theeconomic and social needs of the present withoutcompromising the needs of the future’.

Sustainability appraisalA process of assessment for new policies anddocuments to ensure they conform with the aim ofpromoting sustainability. The process needs toinclude any requirements for StrategicEnvironmental Assessment arising from Europeanlegislation.

UDP - Unitary Development PlanThe Unitary Development Plan for Birminghamadopted in 2005 continues to be the statutory planfor Birmingham. From this adoption date it will havea shelf life of three years.

Voluntary/community sectorThe range of groups run largely by volunteers andworking directly with the community. These groupshave expert knowledge of the communities theyserve and are an essential ally in delivering highquality services.


37

‘Vox pop’Literally, popular opinion (vox populi) – used as ageneral term covering a range of informal meansfor people to give opinions, including askingpassers by to answer questions or take part in a ‘video poll’.

Ward CommitteeRegular meeting of Councillors, officers andresidents meeting to discuss issues and views at alocal level (the ward is the local area which elects,and is represented by, a Councillor(s)).

West Midlands Planning AidAn independent charity whose aim is to enablelocal communities to play an active part in planningissues, part of a national network of organisationssupported by the Royal Town Planning Institute(RTPI).

Young People’s Focus GroupA group of 15-18 year-olds drawn from across thecity. The group is consulted on major planningapplications and new policies and their views arepassed to the Planning Committee.


38


39

Please note, this list is not exhaustive and alsorelates to successor bodies where re-organisationstake place.

Specific consultation bodies

Planning Policy Statement 12 regarding LocalDevelopment Frameworks lists the following bodiesand organisations that must be consulted throughthe stages of a Local Development Document.These lists of organisations are up to date at thetime of preparation of the Statement of CommunityInvolvement.

Specific consultees consulted on every documentin accordance with the Act and regulations.

West Midlands Regional Assembly.

Local Authorities whose area adjoins Birmingham.

Parish/Town Councils which are in or immediatelyadjacent to the boundary of Birmingham:Alvchurch Parish Council.Bickenhill Parish Council.Castle Bromwich Parish Council.Cofton Hackett Parish Council.Curdworth Parish Council.Fordbridge Town Council.Frankley Parish Council.Kingshurst Parish Council.Hints and Canwell Parish Council.Middleton Parish Council.New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council.Shenstone Parish Council.Smiths Wood Parish Council.Water Orton Parish Council.Weeford Parish Council.Wishaw and Moxhull Parish Council.Wythall Parish Council.

Natural England.

The Environment Agency.

Highways Agency.

English Heritage (Historic Buildings andMonuments Commission for England).

Network Rail.

Advantage West Midlands.

Any person to whom the electroniccommunications code applies by virtue of adirection given under Section 106 (3) (a) of theCommunications Act 2003.

Any person who owns or controls electroniccommunications apparatus situated in any part ofthe area of the local planning authority.

Any of the bodies from the following list who areexercising functions in any part of the area of thelocal planning authority:i. Birmingham and Black Country Strategic Health

Authority; Birmingham East and North PrimaryCare Trust; Heart of Birmingham TeachingPrimary Care Trust; South Birmingham PrimaryCare Trust.

ii. Person to whom a licence has been granted under Section 7(2) of the Gas Act 1986.

iii. Severn Trent Water.iv. South Staffordshire Water Company.

Person to license has been granted underSection 6(i)(B) or (C) of the Electricity Act 1989.

Government Office for the West Midlands.

Appendix:Consultees

B

Government Departments

Home Office.

Department for Children, Schools and Family.

Department for the Environment, Food and RuralAffairs.

Department for Transport.

Department of Health.

Department for Business Enterprise andRegulatory Reform.

Department of Innovation, University and Skills.

Ministry of Defence.

Department of Work and Pensions.

Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Department of Communities and LocalGovernment.

Where applicable these departments will beconsulted. Most will be contacted through theGovernment Office for the West Midlands.

General consultation bodies and otherconsultation bodies

PPS 12 also identifies a number of GeneralConsultation Bodies and Other Consultees, whoshould be consulted, as appropriate, at the variousstages of producing an Local DevelopmentDocument (LDD).

The following list sets out the organisations, whichthe City Council will consult under this heading,where this is appropriate. Again the list is accurateat the time of preparation of the SCI.

Access Committee for Birmingham.

Age Concern.

Arts Council England.

Birmingham International Airport Ltd.

British Chemical Distributors and Traders Association.

British Geological Survey.

Birmingham Focus on Blindness.

Birmingham and Solihull Learning Skills Council.

British Waterways, canal owners and navigationauthorities and the Inland Waterways Association.

Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, BirminghamJunior Chamber of Commerce and Industry andlocal branches of Institute of Directors.

Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance.

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Centro - West Midlands Public TransportAuthority.

Church Commissioners.

Civil Aviation Authority.

Civic Trust.

Coalition for Disabled People in Birmingham.


40


41

Commission for Architecture and the BuiltEnvironment.

Council for British Archaeology.

Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Commission for Racial Equality.

Crown Estate Office.

Disability Rights Commission.

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.

Electricity, Gas, and TelecommunicationsUndertakers, and the National Grid Company.

English Partnerships.

Equal Opportunities Commission.

Fire and Rescue Services.

Forestry Commission.

Freight Transport Association.

Friends of the Earth.

Garden History Society.

Gypsy Council.

Health and Safety Executive.

Help the Aged.

Home Builders Federation.

Housing Corporation.

Institute for Asian Business.

Local Agenda 21 including: i. Civic Societies; ii. Community Groups; iii. Local Transport Authorities; iv. Local Transport Operators; v. Local Race Equality Councils and other local

equality groups; andvi. Neighbourhood Forums.

National Playing Fields Association.

National Trust.

Network Rail.

Passenger Transport Authorities.

Passenger Transport Executives.

Police Architectural Liaison Officers/CrimePrevention Design Advisors.

Post Office Property Holdings.

Rail Companies and the Rail Freight Group.

Ramblers Association.

Regional Housing Boards.

Regional Sports Boards.

Road Haulage Association.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Sport England.

The Ancient Monuments Society.

The Georgian Society.

The Society for the Protection of AncientBuildings.

The Twentieth Century Society.

The Victorian Society.

The Theatres Trust.

The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the BlackCountry.

Friends, Families and Travellers.

Women’s National Commission.

We will also consult voluntary groups and residents’associations, landowners, developers, businessesand community religious groups and we keep theirdetails on a consultation database, which is subjectto regular monitoring.

We will also consult where appropriate residentsand communities of the adjoining local authorityareas. Over 1800 organisations are currentlyrecorded on this database. The groups/individuals/organisations on this database have eitherexpressed an interest in being involved in thedevelopment of planning policy or have beenidentified by the Council as being potentiallyimportant contributors to the development ofplanning policy. Any group or individual etc. mayask to be included at any time.

If you would like to join the LDF consultationdatabase please contact us using the details below.Please also contact us if you are already on theLDF consultation database and want to changeyour details or be removed.

Contact:Carol GrovePrincipal AdministratorPlanning StrategyPO Box 28Alpha TowerSuffolk Street QueenswayBirminghamB1 1TU

Tel: (0121) 303 3734E-mail: [email protected]


42

Claire HitcoxPrincipal Planning OfficerPlanning StrategyAlpha TowerSuffolk Street QueenswayBirminghamB1 1TU


Ged CassellEngagement OfficerSouth Development Planningand Regeneration TeamAlpha TowerSuffolk Street QueenswayBirminghamB1 1TU


Alison SmartActing Head of Service DevelopmentContinuous Improvement TeamAlpha TowerSuffolk Street QueenswayBirminghamB1 1TU


Most Birmingham City Councilpublications can be made available inalternative formats or languages.

If you have difficulty reading thisdocument please call us on (0121) 3033030 to ask if a full or summary versioncan be made available in large print,another format or another language.

If you have hearing difficulties pleasecall us via Typetalk 18001 0121 3033030 or e-mail us at:[email protected]


43

Contact

NOTES


44


Adopted

april2008
