Cllr Frances Burton, Chair, NILGA’s Elected Member Development Network
NILGA, in partnership with the Local Government Training Group, delivered a virtual planning training programme for all elected members.
The 2020 Condensed Planning Programme for Councillors is part of an ongoing training programme for elected members on the planning system in Northern Ireland. Today’s event focused on improving understanding and confidence in planning decisions, on improving understanding of the planning system, and how council planning powers can benefit local areas and communities in the most impactful way.
The session was virtually attended by elected members from all 11 councils in Northern Ireland along with a range of other key planning stakeholder delegates.
Cllr Frances Burton (Mid Ulster District Council) Chair, NILGA’s Elected Member Development Network, said:
“Today’s planning training event was an excellent opportunity for elected members to enhance their understanding of the local planning system and provide support to them in making the best possible decisions for their communities and constituents.
“As evidenced today, planning need not be a controversial issue for our elected representatives. Effective planning and place-shaping now and in the future has the power to create jobs, homes, beautiful civic amenities, and spaces for everyone in our local areas, which can build happier and healthier communities.
“NILGA and the Local Government Training Group collaborated today to deliver this worthwhile training opportunity for members. Covid-19 will likely have an impact on how we design our cities, towns, and villages going forward so today’s training session was a timely reminder of the key role that councillors play in the plan making and place shaping of our local communities.”