Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026

Purpose:

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.