Planning Advisory Service delivered a short overview for Local Authority Councillors to introduce the planning process, and how it is changing in 2026. This included an overview of the English planning system, local plans and planning application decision processes, recent government reforms to the system, and the role of councillors.
Our short segment briefing give an introduction to planning and placemaking, the key areas of planning and the role of the council and councillors. It will get councillors past any perceived complexity so they can understand the most important elements of their role and the role of planning.
PAS & the LGA delivered the briefing on the introduction to planning for councillors in June 2026. The recordings and presentations of the four sections; planning and placemaking, planning policy, decision making, why planning matters and the role of councillors, can be viewed below.
Planning & Placemaking - Anna Rose, Head of Planning Advisory Service
Planning Policy - Lisa-Marie Robson, Local Plans PAS
Decision Making - Peter Ford, Decision Making PAS
Why planning matters and the role of councillors in planning - Cllr Jayne Mccoy, London Borough of Sutton
A short leaflet explaining the planning process is also available and can be accessed below. This leaflet is based on the position in 2012 and requires updating.