Co-operation between organisations is a vital part of developing planning policy and making decisions on planning applications.
The specific requirements of co-operation are set out in the Localism Act. This states that Local Authorities must co-operate with a variety of organisations to ensure that planning issues which cross local authority boundaries are considered effectively and appropriately.
In order to set-out how co-operation on planning matters will function in Devon, the Local Authorities and a range of other organisations have worked together to produce the Devon Duty to Co-operate Protocol. This sets out which planning related topics will be subject to specific co-operation and how the co-operation will work.
The Protocol is in the process of being endorsed by Local Authorities and a range of other organisations. A final version will be available to view when it has been signed by all organisations currently involved. Going forward additional bodies may endorse the Protocol.