{"id":3231,"date":"2020-10-16T10:58:10","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T09:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning-new\/?post_type=dcc_docs_document&#038;p=3231"},"modified":"2025-09-15T16:06:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:06:37","slug":"statement-of-community-involvement","status":"publish","type":"dcc_docs_document","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/document\/statement-of-community-involvement\/","title":{"rendered":"Statement of Community Involvement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-introduction\">1. Introduction<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-1-background\">1.1 Background<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-2-the-planning-system\">1.2 The planning system<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-3-the-role-of-devon-county-council-as-a-planning-authority\">1.3 The role of Devon County Council as a Planning Authority<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-4-why-is-it-important-to-involve-communities-in-the-planning-process\">1.4 Why is it important to involve communities in the planning process?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-5-aims-of-community-involvement\">1.5 Aims of community involvement<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-6-who-will-be-involved\">1.6 Who will be involved?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-7-engaging-devon\">1.7 Engaging Devon<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-8-neighbourhood-planning\">1.8 Neighbourhood Planning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-involvement-in-devon-county-council-plan-making\">2. Involvement in Devon County Council Plan-making<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-1-background\">2.1 Background<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-2-which-plans-will-be-consulted-on\">2.2 Which Plans will be consulted on?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-3-when-will-involvement-happen\">2.3 When will involvement happen?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-4-methods-of-community-involvement\">2.4 Methods of Community Involvement<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-5-how-will-consultation-responses-be-used\">2.5 How will consultation responses be used?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-planning-applications-development-management\">3. Planning Applications (Development Management)<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-1-background\">3.1 Background<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-2-pre-application-discussions\">3.2 Pre-application discussions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-3-consultation-and-publicity-on-receipt-of-a-planning-application\">3.3 Consultation and publicity on receipt of a planning application<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-4-availability-of-planning-application-documents\">3.4 Availability of planning application documents<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-5-development-management-committee\">3.5 Development Management Committee<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-6-notification-of-decisions\">3.6 Notification of decisions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-monitoring-report\">4. Monitoring Report<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-further-help\">5. Further help<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-1-planning-aid\">5.1 Planning Aid<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-2-planning-advisory-service\">5.2 Planning Advisory Service<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-3-planning-portal\">5.3 Planning Portal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#6-contact-information\">6. Contact information<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"dcc-documents-cpt-fixed dccdocs-sticky dccdocs-hidden\">\r\n    <div class=\"grid-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\">\r\n            <div class=\"cell medium-12\">\r\n                <a class=\"back-to-top hide-for-print\" href=\"#content\"><svg class=\"app-c-back-to-top__icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"13\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 13 17\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.5 0L0 6.5 1.4 8l4-4v12.7h2V4l4.3 4L13 6.4z\"><\/path><\/svg> Contents<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:41.333%\"><div class=\"document-meta-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-68c82b7a0d7ef\"><div class=\" dcc-documents-meta\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><p class=\"dcc-documents-published\"><span>Published<\/span> <time datetime=\"2020-10-16T10:58:10+00:00\">16\/10\/2020 10:58am<\/time><\/p><p class=\"dcc-documents-updated\"><span>Last Updated<\/span> <time datetime=\"2025-09-15T16:06:37+00:00\">15\/09\/2025 4:06pm<\/time><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58.666%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-introduction\">1.\tIntroduction\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-background\">1.1\tBackground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"float: none; background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; cursor: text; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none;\">1.1.1\u00a0As a Local Authority, Devon County Council is accountable to the people of Devon and other stakeholders, and has a responsibility to be open, honest and transparent, to engage and involve citizens and communities in decision-making, and to keep the community well-informed of its activities. This Statement of Community Involvement [SCI] explains how the County Council applies these principles to its preparation of planning policy and determination of planning applications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-2-the-planning-system\">1.2\tThe planning system <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.2.1\u00a0The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires a Planning Authority to prepare a SCI in order to demonstrate how it will involve interested persons in the production of relevant policies and the determination of planning applications. Subsequent legislation requires the SCI to include an Authority\u2019s policies for providing guidance on neighbourhood planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.2.2\u00a0The National Planning Policy Framework [NPPF] was published in February 2019 and sets out the Government\u2019s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. The NPPF must be taken into account in the preparation of Local and Neighbourhood Plans, Minerals and Waste Plans and is a material consideration in planning application decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.2.3\u00a0At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development which encourages a culture in which development plays a key role in meeting the needs of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.2.4\u00a0The Duty to Cooperate, another key strand, requires public bodies to cooperate on planning issues that cross administrative boundaries. This is also outlined in the 2011 Localism Act which gives more detail on which bodies need to be cooperated with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-3-the-role-of-devon-county-council-as-a-planning-authority\">1.3\tThe role of Devon County Council as a Planning Authority<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.3.1\u00a0Devon County Council is the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority for Devon. In this role, the Council is responsible for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>producing plans to guide mineral and waste development;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>determining planning applications relating to minerals and waste developments;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>determining its own planning applications which include development at schools, recycling centres and some schemes carried out as Highway Authority;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>providing a strategic consultation response when required to the eight District Councils in Devon; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>providing comment on emerging policy, including District Council and neighbouring authorities\u2019 planning policy documents and appropriate Government consultation papers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>1.3.2 Devon County Council does not determine minerals or waste applications for proposals at locations within the National Parks of Dartmoor or Exmoor. However, the County Council has a strong relationship with each of the National Park Authorities and would be consulted on relevant applications that may affect land outside the National Parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-4-why-is-it-important-to-involve-communities-in-the-planning-process\">1.4\tWhy is it important to involve communities in the planning process?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.4.1\u00a0Involvement is important not only to inform individuals and stakeholders of the planning process but also to allow them to inform it, resulting in better plans and application decisions. Effective community involvement also has other benefits including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>creating greater \u2018public ownership\u2019 of planning and sense of local democracy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allowing individuals and bodies to contribute to the community;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>informing the County Council of local priorities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increasing the communication and trust between the County Council and the people of Devon; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>giving a better understanding of the way in which Devon County Council works for Devon\u2019s future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-5-aims-of-community-involvement\">1.5\tAims of community involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.5.1\u00a0The Council will seek early and continuous community and stakeholder involvement in the planning process which will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>informing and updating communities on the progress of the Minerals and Waste Plans and Sustainability Appraisals that are being produced alongside;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>informing the determination of planning applications;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintaining a meaningful two-way dialogue, including feedback so participants know that they are being listened to and their views are informing the planning process; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>promoting engagement and understanding that comments and proposals are welcome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-6-who-will-be-involved\">1.6\tWho will be involved?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.6.1\u00a0The \u201ccommunity\u201d comprises every individual or group living in Devon and potentially anyone living close to the County boundary, together with people who work or undertake activities in Devon but live elsewhere. Involvement will also be vital with individuals who have an interest in minerals and waste issues in Devon and other groups who may have an associated interest. This \u201ccommunity\u201d has important local knowledge which can be invaluable in determining an appropriate strategy for planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.6.2\u00a0The community and stakeholders will be encouraged to engage with, and be involved in, the planning process. In particular, this SCI directs attention to the following groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>individuals;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lower tier authorities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other upper tier authorities including National Park Authorities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>statutory bodies (e.g. Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic England, Highways England and Network Rail);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>parish\/town councils;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interest groups (e.g. CPRE, Devon Wildlife Trust);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>businesses (including the minerals and waste operators);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>developers, agents and landowners;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>residents\u2019 associations and action groups;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hard to reach groups;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local Enterprise Partnership; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local Nature Partnership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-7-engaging-devon\">1.7\tEngaging Devon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.7.1\u00a0In addition to the SCI, Devon County Council has published \u2018Engaging Devon\u2019. The purpose of this document is to explain how Devon County Council as a whole will engage across all of its activities to ensure that opportunities exist for partners to become involved in the development of services. The Engaging Devon Guide can be found at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-inside-devon wp-block-embed-inside-devon\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/inside.devon.gov.uk\/task\/engaging-devon\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-8-neighbourhood-planning\">1.8\tNeighbourhood Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1.8.1\u00a0Devon\u2019s town and parish councils (and, within Exeter, other community organisations) have the power to undertake neighbourhood planning through the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and\/or Neighbourhood Development Orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.8.2\u00a0Devon County Council\u2019s role in neighbourhood planning is a supporting one in providing information on the infrastructure and service implications of proposed development, including implications for education, social care, public health, highways and other transport infrastructure, libraries and waste management. In addition, in its role as the minerals and waste planning authority, the County Council will need to consider the implications of development proposed in a Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order on Devon\u2019s minerals and waste facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.8.3\u00a0To assist neighbourhood planning authorities, Devon County Council has published \u2018Neighbourhood Planning in Devon\u2019 to explain its responsibilities and the contribution that it can make to Neighbourhood Plans. This is available at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/neighbourhood-planning\">https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/neighbourhood-planning<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-involvement-in-devon-county-council-plan-making\">2.\tInvolvement in Devon County Council Plan-making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-1-background\">2.1\tBackground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2.1.1\u00a0Involvement of the public and stakeholders will be undertaken to inform the plan-preparation work undertaken by Devon County Council. This forms a vital element of the Authority\u2019s planning responsibilities. The County Council will also involve the community when determining planning applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-which-plans-will-be-consulted-on\">2.2\tWhich Plans will be consulted on?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Devon Waste Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.1&nbsp;As a Waste Planning Authority Devon County Council is responsible for setting out waste planning policy which is used to determine planning applications for waste management developments. The Devon Waste Plan was adopted in December 2014 and establishes the overarching principles and policy direction for waste planning in Devon while also identifying potential strategic sites for energy recovery within the County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Devon Minerals Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.2\u00a0Devon County Council is also a Mineral Planning Authority and therefore is required to set minerals planning policy which will be used to determine planning applications for minerals developments. The Devon Minerals Plan was adopted in February 2017 and contains the Council\u2019s vision and objectives for minerals planning and provide the policy framework and site proposals to maintain the supply of minerals whilst limiting any significant impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.3\u00a0The County Council is obliged to review its Minerals and Waste Plans every five years, or sooner if warranted by changing circumstances that may be identified through its annual monitoring programme. In the event that a review identifies a need for a Plan to be updated, the principles for community involvement in the SCI will apply to all future updates to these Plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other supporting documents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.4\u00a0To support the development of the Minerals and Waste Plans, Devon County Council also produces Habitats Regulation Assessments (HRA), Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRA) and Sustainability Appraisals (SA). Each of these documents is produced to assess the likely impacts of the Minerals and Waste Plans as part of the plan evidence-base. These documents are made available to the community as part of the plan-preparation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Habitats Regulation Assessment&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.5\u00a0Habitats Regulation Assessment [HRA] is undertaken to develop a sound evidence base and assessment of the likely impacts of the Minerals and Waste Plans. The HRA therefore informs the development of policies and site allocations within both of these documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategic Flood Risk Assessment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.6&nbsp; Strategic Flood Risk Assessments are undertaken for both the Minerals and Waste Plans. These documents identify relevant policies and strategies along with baseline information on flood risk in Devon informing the development of policies and site allocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainability Appraisal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.7\u00a0The purpose of sustainability appraisal [SA] is to promote more sustainable development by ensuring long-term environmental, social and economic issues are considered in an integrated way in plan-making. As Devon County Council prepares the Minerals and Waste Plans, the sustainability of their visions, objectives, policies and potential site allocations is examined alongside alternative options and developments with potential cumulative impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.2.8\u00a0SA must incorporate the legal requirements of the European Union\u2019s Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive. Public consultation will be undertaken in accordance with the Directive\u2019s requirements which state that the draft plan or programme and the environmental report shall be made available to relevant organisations and the public. This will allow an effective opportunity to express opinions on plans and accompanying environmental reports such as SA documents. This takes place at the same time as the consultation on the pre-submission versions of the Minerals and Waste Plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-3-when-will-involvement-happen\">2.3\tWhen will involvement happen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2.3.1\u00a0Involvement and consultation will be sought during various stages of the plan-making process for the Minerals and Waste Plans. This may start at the formative stages of plan-making to ensure early engagement but will also include the statutory stage. In some circumstances, it may be deemed appropriate to run a consultation that is not a statutory requirement but would assist in the plan making process or seek to address a local concern. Such processes will be advertised accordingly as and when appropriate. It is also vital to engage with the community when putting together the evidence base for the minerals and waste policy documents. Such engagement will occur as part of more formal consultations on the policy documents themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-4-methods-of-community-involvement\">2.4\tMethods of Community Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2.4.1\u00a0Table 1 outlines the suite of methods that Devon County Council may use to engage and involve communities and stakeholders in the plan-making process. The specifics of which methods will be used will be flexible to ensure that the process remains responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-5-how-will-consultation-responses-be-used\">2.5\tHow will consultation responses be used?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2.5.1\u00a0The comments and results acquired from consultations will be used to influence subsequent drafts of the relevant plan or policy. Further versions of the policies and plans will be subsequently available for further comment and engagement. Consultation comments will be published and reported as the Plans develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Method of Involvement&nbsp;<\/th><th scope=\"col\">How it works<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Correspondence with statutory and other bodies<\/td><td>Emails or letters will be sent to a list of specific statutory and other bodies informing them of consultation periods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Documents made available to view at Local Authority offices and Devon libraries<\/td><td>The relevant documents will be made available to view and information on how to comment will be provided.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Website<\/td><td>Key documents and information will be placed on the Devon County Council website.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Email \/ Online discussion forums \/social media<\/td><td>This method of communication will be used and developed if practical.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leaflets and brochures<\/td><td>These are used to publicise and inform the community of the proposed documents or planning applications, and can be used to inform the public about further opportunities to get involved.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Newsletters<\/td><td>Newsletters will be published at regular intervals to keep the public and stakeholders up-to-date with progress on planning documents, including forthcoming events and consultations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Articles in local publications<\/td><td>Articles will be prepared for inclusion in relevant newspapers and other local publications.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Questionnaires \/ community surveys<\/td><td>Questionnaires have been identified as a preferred method of planning consultation by many groups and individuals in Devon.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Public exhibitions \/ displays \/ roadshows \/ posters<\/td><td>A resource-intensive activity that involves face to face meetings with communities to discuss plans and proposals.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local Press, TV and radio<\/td><td>Local media is used for statutory notices concerning plan preparation and for advertising planning applications along with press releases.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stakeholder events<\/td><td>An event bringing together key stakeholders to discuss key issues.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>One-to-one meetings with selected stakeholders<\/td><td>Meetings with key stakeholders to discuss specific issues.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Public meetings \/ area, town and village and parish meetings<\/td><td>Open and inclusive robust debate in which key issues can be discussed.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Liaison group meetings<\/td><td>Larger ongoing development sites have established Local Liaison Groups, who are vital to engage in discussions and decisions for future operation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Focus groups (selected groups of participants with particular characteristics) or citizen panels (randomly selected participants)<\/td><td>Area-based discussions and presentation of options that can help authorities gain more understanding of public concerns.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Distribution lists<\/td><td>Distribution lists will be utilised to inform interested groups either by email or letter.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Correspondence with specific individuals<\/td><td>Correspondence with specific individuals likely to be affected by plans or applications and who have responded to previous related consultations.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Table 1 \u2013 Methods of involvement in plan-making<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-planning-applications-development-management\">3.\tPlanning Applications (Development Management)\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-1-background\">3.1\tBackground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.1.1\u00a0In addition to the preparation of planning policy documents, the County Council is responsible for determining relevant planning applications. These include applications for minerals and waste management developments and the County Council\u2019s own (Regulation 3) developments, for example, schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.1.2\u00a0The County Council has published a range of guidance for applicants and other interested parties on how the County Council deals with the planning applications it receives, and this can be viewed on the County Council website at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/\">https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.1.3\u00a0The County Council considers it important to consult those people and organisations that it deems to be affected by any planning applications that it receives. Each planning application submitted will progress through a number of stages, with some also receiving pre-application advice. The general process for determining planning applications is included below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>pre-application discussions (wherever possible and practical);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>submission of a planning application;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consultation, publicity and making comments on an application;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>negotiation of potential amendments to a scheme where appropriate;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>determining whether the application should be approved or refused, and if permission is given, what conditions should be imposed on the development; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>making the results of decisions available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"float: none; background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; cursor: text; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none;\">The extent to which the public will be directly involved varies with each stage and is described in the following sections.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-2-pre-application-discussions\">3.2\tPre-application discussions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.2.1\u00a0The County Council encourages developers to discuss their proposals with the Planning Authority at an early stage before formal submission. Developers proposing large or significant developments will be actively encouraged to undertake early community consultation. This will ensure that the community have an opportunity to inform the nature of proposals at an early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-consultation-and-publicity-on-receipt-of-a-planning-application\">3.3\tConsultation and publicity on receipt of a planning application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.3.1\u00a0The County Council is required by planning legislation to publicise applications and notify specific bodies and organisations of applications it receives. In addition to the statutory consultees the Council will also consult local residents, businesses and local interest groups where it considers this to be appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.3.2\u00a0The County Council will hold a minimum of 21 days\u2019 consultation for any application during which time comments are welcomed. For all applications the County Council will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>display site notices at, or near to, the planning application site in positions that are visible to anyone passing by;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consult the relevant District Council, Parish\/Town Council and the locally elected Member; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>publish the details of the application on the County Council\u2019s website at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/\">https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3.3.3\u00a0The County Council may also when appropriate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>give notice (if considered necessary or expedient) of the application in a newspaper circulating in the area of the planning application;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consult neighbours by letter (where any property shares a common boundary or lies opposite the planning application site or is close to the site, or where it is deemed that the enjoyment of a nearby property could be affected);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consult other statutory undertakers such as the Environment Agency, Highways England, Natural England or Historic England; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consult relevant County Council officers, along with other Local Authorities, both upper and lower tier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3.3.4\u00a0Following initial consultation, applicants may decide, or be asked, to amend their original proposals, or to submit further information. Any material amendments will require further consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-4-availability-of-planning-application-documents\">3.4\tAvailability of planning application documents <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.4.1\u00a0Planning applications (including application forms, plans and supporting documents) are made available on the Council\u2019s website at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/\">https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.4.2\u00a0Copies of planning application documents are normally available for inspection from the Development Management Team at Devon County Council, Lucombe House, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD (it is advisable to contact the Team in advance to ensure that documents are available). Some copies may also be available for inspection at the relevant District Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.4.3\u00a0The County Council may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, stage public exhibitions, issue press releases or arrange public meetings to provide information about major developments or proposals which are particularly significant or have wide-spread effects on communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.4.4\u00a0In exceptional circumstances such as the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, the County Council may need to offer a more limited approach to the availability of planning application documents if its offices are closed and\/or public contact is not feasible. Such circumstances will be highlighted on the Council\u2019s website, and online availability of documents will be maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-5-development-management-committee\">3.5\tDevelopment Management Committee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.5.1\u00a0The Development Management Committee delivers the functions of the Council as the County Planning Authority. Some applications are straightforward and can be determined by a Planning Officer on behalf of the Committee under delegated powers. However, in some circumstances applications are not straightforward and therefore will be referred to the Committee for determination. The County Council welcomes public attendance at Committee meetings and individuals have an opportunity to request to speak at Committee. Reports are available before the meeting and minutes afterwards on the Council\u2019s website. The meeting is also available to watch live or later via an online webcast, which can be accessed via the County Council website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-6-notification-of-decisions\">3.6\tNotification of decisions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3.6.1\u00a0Once a decision has been made on an application, the decision notice will be posted on the planning webpages. If it is a case that has been considered by the Development Management Committee, it can be found either by contacting the Development Management team the day after the Committee meeting, or by viewing the minutes of the meeting which will be published on the County Council website within three to five working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-monitoring-report\">4.\tMonitoring Report\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>4.1.1\u00a0A Monitoring Report is produced to assess the progress that the Planning Authority is making on preparing plans and achieving the objectives set out in its policies. The Localism Act 2011 made changes to the way in which the Monitoring Report is produced and consulted on. The report will now be produced at least annually and will be made publicly available for comment. All monitoring reports can be found via the link below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-planning-new wp-block-embed-planning-new\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"QZEfeuYPxa\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/minerals-and-waste-policy\/\">Minerals and waste policy<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Minerals and waste policy&#8221; &#8212; Planning\" src=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/minerals-and-waste-policy\/embed\/#?secret=B423YGUFIP#?secret=QZEfeuYPxa\" data-secret=\"QZEfeuYPxa\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-further-help\">5.\tFurther help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-1-planning-aid\">5.1\tPlanning Aid <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>5.1.1\u00a0Planning Aid England supports communities and individuals by offering advice on a wide variety of planning related queries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.1.2\u00a0More information is available at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rtpi.org.uk\/planning-aid\/\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rtpi.org.uk\/planning-aid\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-2-planning-advisory-service\">5.2\tPlanning Advisory Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>5.2.1\u00a0The Planning Advisory service is a good source of information on planning related topics in particular planning reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.2.2\u00a0More information is available at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/local.gov.uk\/pas\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/local.gov.uk\/pas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-3-planning-portal\">5.3\tPlanning Portal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>5.3.1\u00a0The Planning Portal is the Government\u2019s online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.3.2\u00a0More information is available at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planningportal.co.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.planningportal.co.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-contact-information\">6.\tContact information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Planning Department at Devon County Council can be contacted using the details below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning, Transportation and Environment Group<br>Devon County Council<br>Lucombe House<br>County Hall<br>Topsham Road<br>Exeter<br>EX2 4QD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Waste Plan related queries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&nbsp;<\/em>E-mail: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"mailto:wasteplanning@devon.gov.uk\">wasteplanning@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Telephone: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"tel:03451551010\">0345 155 1010<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For general information: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/minerals-and-waste-policy\/devon-waste-plan\">Devon Waste Plan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Minerals Plan related queries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em>E-mail: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:mineralsplanning@devon.gov.uk\">mineralsplanning@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Telephone: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"tel:03451551010\">0345 155 1010<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For general information: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/planning-policies\/minerals-and-waste-policy\/devon-minerals-plan\">Devon Minerals Plan<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to be kept up to date with the progress of the Minerals and Waste Plans and notified of future consultation events, please contact us using the details above<u> &nbsp;<\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Development Management (planning applications) related queries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em>E-mail: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:planning@devon.gov.uk\">planning@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Telephone: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"tel:03451551015\">0345 155 1015<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/\">https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1.1\u00a0As a Local Authority, Devon County Council is accountable to the people of Devon and other stakeholders, and has a responsibility to be open, honest and transparent, to engage and involve citizens and communities in decision-making, and to keep the community well-informed of its activities. This Statement of Community Involvement [SCI] [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1886,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"documents_category":[],"class_list":["post-3231","dcc_docs_document","type-dcc_docs_document","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"updated":"","dccdocs_documents":null,"section-guidance":"","sections":null},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-05 18:59:13","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"dcc_docs_category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents\/3231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/dcc_docs_document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1886"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents\/3231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6808,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents\/3231\/revisions\/6808"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"dcc_docs_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/planning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/documents_category?post=3231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}