Community involvement in planning

What is a Statement of Community Involvement?

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how and when we will involve different groups, organisations and our communities in the planning process. The document must be used when we prepare and consult on our planning policy documents, including our Local Plan, and explains how we will involve people when we assess and decide on planning applications for new development.

Currently Adopted Statement of Community Involvement

A revised version of the SCI has been prepared which updates the document and consolidates an earlier published addendum on measures the Planning Service would be taking whilst Covid-19 related restrictions are in force into the main paper. The revised SCI also takes into account changes to the planning system, through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated planning practice guidance (PPG), and any changes to legislation.  This document will replace the previous SCI that was adopted by the council in July 2015.

Download the Statement of Community Involvement in Planning.

Materials for developers for planning applications

We strongly encourage developers to carry out consultation for any planning application submitted to us, from small-scale householder applications to large major applications. Consultation and communication should be as early on as practicable.

For householder applications, this might involve just a note through your neighbours' doors. Or for larger applications we have set out below some suggestions of best practice that is emerging, and some ideas of what has worked well for recent developments in the city.

Download the Materials for developers for planning applications.