Why and who we consult
A key influence upon Plan making and decision taking is consultation. Community engagement is vital for us to achieve our vision for the borough.
The Localism Act 2011 places engagement with local communities at the heart of the planning system. Methods of engagement are based upon the Government's
Who we consult
We must consult with certain organisations as set out in in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended). These include specific consultation bodies - those who may have an interest in the content of a draft Local Plan; general consultation bodies – as considered appropriate by the Council and other stakeholders, including residents and business representatives with an interest the borough. We may keep separate databases related to these 3 groups to make it easier for us to consult appropriately.
When undertaking consultations on planning applications, the Council will identify the relevant consultee groups on a case-by-case basis. Guidance on what constitutes ‘material considerations’ as part of the determination of planning applications is outlined on the Council’s website.
TMBC is committed to engaging with hard-to-reach groups, and we will seek to make the planning process accessible to everybody, including (but not limited to) those with a language barrier, those less physically able, those on low incomes, those with limited or no access to the internet, and the elderly. We will provide paper copies of documents and send letters where appropriate, to ensure that we reach out successfully to the whole community.