Council commits to improve understanding and openness of the planning process

A document which outlines how planners engage with residents, businesses, groups and stakeholders is being updated to help streamline the planning process and enable decision to be made quicker.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is currently in the process of updating its Statement of Community Involvement which formally sets out how it will engage with individuals and organisations when preparing local planning policy documents and in the planning application decision-making process.

The document – which was previously updated in 2021 – is being reviewed in line with legislation, national planning policy and best practice guidance.

As part of the review process, the council is now carrying out a public consultation and inviting people to have their say on the draft Stoke-on-Trent Statement of Community Involvement 2025.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The review of our Statement of Community Involvement is something we have to do legally - all local planning authorities are required to review the document at least once every five years.

“This consultation process is essential to help improve understanding and openness of the planning process, which impacts everybody who lives in, works in or visit our city and ensure that we are effectively engaging on planning matters which affect our local communities.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to provide us with feedback through this consultation and help us shape this service for the future.”

The consultation will run until Sunday 18 May. Visit www.stoke.gov.uk/planningconsultations to have your say.

Alternatively, for more information, email the planning policy team at planning.policy@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 233905.

Following the consultation process, the Stoke-on-Trent Statement of Community Involvement 2025 will be finalised and published on the council’s website.