IMPROVING PERFORMANCE IN PLANNING Presented by: Dr Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Aim of the Presentation: To explain the context, rationale and purpose of planning performance. To explain the link between community planning, spatial planning and performance improvement. To advocate for a strategic approach to performance improvement through delivery and land use.
01st April 2015 – Planning Function transfers to Local Government BACKGROUND 01st April 2015 – Planning Function transfers to Local Government Unique Opportunity to Develop Relationships Drive Continuous Improvement Embed Performance Measures Change Cultures
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT (NI) 2014
THE DEFINED AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Strategic effectiveness Service quality Service availability Fairness Sustainability Efficiency Innovation
Planning Performance & Community Planning There is no single model, or definition, of community – their diversity is one of their key strengths. Meeting the needs of all:- Industrial Commercial Agriculture Domestic Community Planning powers are the link.
The Interface Between Community planning & Spatial Planning – How they “Fit” SOCIETAL Services Space Strategic Planning Economic Issues Community Planning Spatial Planning Environmental Issues Community Planning People Place POLITICAL Source: Lloyd, G; Rafferty G; University of Ulster
How Have Councils Performed? REGIONALLY Planning Applications: 3,249 in Q2. Average Processing Time : 55 Weeks in 1st 6 Months. Local Planning Applications: Up 7%. Enforcement Cases: Up 2%. Conclusion of Enforcement Action: 39 Weeks.
Planning Performance: Three Years From April 2015. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council: Business Year Number of Decision 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016 905 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2017 1135 1 April 2017 – 31 December 2017 832 Total 2872
Performance Framework & Transparency Measuring Performance & Continuous Improvement. Improving certainty Refine performance framework Work continuing on key performance indicators Developing & sharing best practice between authorities.
Performance Framework Local Priorities Identified in our new Corporate Plan. SMART Measures Used. Service Review Plans. Date Collection & Reporting Systems. Links to Budget & Fiscal Planning Cycle. A Role for Audit & Scrutiny. Benchmarking Capacity. Making Performance Date Publically Available.
Reporting on Performance
Planning Into the Future OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Northern Ireland is on a learning journey. Change being Driven by Performance Management. Performance objectives developing the relationship between people and place. Councils now taking a more strategic, Council-led approach. Involving citizens in place-shaping in delivering sustainable change.
Conclusions Keeping the system open & transparent. Support and build on the performance improvement closely linking community planning and spatial planning. Continue to communicate, continue to improve communications. Build on & disseminate best practice on an ongoing basis. Strategic level approach to the planning issue.
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