How you can get involved with important planning issues in Harborough

The authority has launched a consultation on a revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

The council is inviting comments on how people can have their say on high-profile planning-related matters across Harborough district.

And members of the public are being urged by Cllr Phil Knowles to make their views known.

Cllr Knowles, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said: “It’s crucial that the community engages in this as it will determine how consultation on planning policy and processing of planning applications will take place.”

He added: “Planning has such an impact right across the board in a variety of ways and is one area that sees considerable public involvement.”

The SCI sets out who, when and how the council will consult when developing new planning policy and processing planning applications.

The SCI consultation asks for feedback on a series of points regarding:

- relevant consultees

- timeframe for consultations

- how the council can support people to use the website to view and respond to consultations

- how the council can encourage seldom heard groups to participate

- recent / potential changes in practice for consultations.

The seven-week consultation will run until 5pm on Wednesday January 8, 2020 before it is considered for adoption in February.

A council spokesperson said: “Local people and interested parties have historically been consulted on planning matters - it’s an essential part of good planning.

“However, the draft SCI updates our approach and procedures for engaging people more effectively and efficiently, taking account of recent changes to legislation.

“We hope that as many individuals and groups as possible will take the opportunity to comment on the SCI to help shape how we consult in future.”

People can respond to the draft SCI through the council’s website.

Paper copies of the exercise will also be available at the council’s offices at The Symington Building in Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, and at libraries within the district.

You can take part in the consultation at www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation