Content

 RESOLVED: Cabinet:

a)    
Noted the progress on the Planning Service Transformation
Programme to date and the areas of work still to be
actioned.

b)    
Endorsed the Action Plan for 2026-2030 and agrees the
proposed monitoring and reporting mechanism.

c)    
Noted additional resource will be brought in to accelerate
the programme using existing income streams.

d)    
Endorsed the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) to undertake a
further peer review in late 2026 in order to provide independent
feedback on the measures that have been implemented.
 
REASONS
RESOLVED:

•        
Raise awareness of the progress and improvements implemented
to date

•        
Ensure corporate support for the continuation of the Planning
Service Transformation Programme.

•        
Provide transparent next steps on the improvement workstreams
currently underway and those planned in the short, medium and
longer term.

•        
Secure the most cost-effective course of action using
existing funding streams.

•        
Ensure customers and stakeholders receive the maximum benefit
by accelerating the Transformation Programme in the Development
Management and Enforcement Teams.

•        
Receive independent feedback on the improvement work
implemented to provide external assurance.
 
ALTERNATIVE
OPTIONS:
The Action Plan
provides a clear focus and strategic objectives for the service for
the next five years. This will ensure that resources are targeted
to those areas that still require review and will have most
positive impact for customers. Without an Action Plan and
monitoring framework there is a risk that the additional
transformative work will not be prioritised and adequate resource
assigned particularly due to the large scale, business as usual
operation. The Action Plan and additional transformation resource
is recommended therefore to keep momentum, accelerate the programme
and continue the strong progress made between 2023 and
2025.