The Statement of Community Involvement

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

Introduction

One of the key objectives of the new planning system is effective community involvement.  Breckland Council considers it important that communities feel that they are part of the planning process and that their aspirations are considered and taken into account. The key to this community ownership will be a proactive approach to getting people involved.

What is the Statement of Community Involvement?

The Council's Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out: -

What the minimum requirements for public participation are,
Who we will be trying to involve,
How we will be involving them,
The resources we have available,
The effect involving the community will have; and
How we will monitor the process.

This is set out for:-

Each of the different documents that we have said we will be producing as part of the Local Development Framework; and for significant planning applications.

Breckland Council adopted the SCI on 30th April 2006.  Please download the SCI by clicking on the following link:

Statement of Community Involvement (PDF document 5.0Mb)

Where can I see a copy of the Statement of Community Involvement?

AVAILABLE AT...

Council Offices
At our principal offices (Mon-Thu 9am-5pm; Fri 9am – 4.30pm) at:
Dereham – Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham.
Thetford – Breckland House, St Nicholas Street, Thetford.

And at our Customer Service Centres:
Attleborough - Bush House, Queen's Square, Attleborough.
Swaffham - Town Hall, Swaffham.
Watton - Wayland Hall, Watton.
Please call the Council on 01362 656870 to check opening times or follow this link: Breckland Council Opening Times

Libraries
Dereham Library, Church Street (01362) 693184
Thetford Library, Raymond Street (01842) 752048
Attleborough Library, Connaught Road (01953) 452319
Swaffham Library, The Pightle (01760) 721513
Watton Library, George Trallop Road (01953) 881671
Please call to check opening times or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk

The Statement of Community Involvement can also be provided in alternative formats such as large print, Braille or translated into another language.

Consultation on the Statement of Community Involvement

We consulted on a draft SCI in February/March 2005 and received numerous comments.  We consulted again on the revised draft in May/June 2005 and again received numerous comments.  Details of the consultation can be found in the Consultation Statement below.

Consultation Statement (PDF document 998Kb)

We submitted the final draft version, which was on deposit until 12 Noon on 12th September 2005.  All comments made during this period were considered by an Independent Inspector.

The Inspector looked at whether the whole SCI was sound and fit for purpose and not just those parts that people had commented on.

The following Representations Statement was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and contains all comments received during the submission deposit period along with the Council's response and suggested changes.

Representations Statement (PDF document 2.29Mb)

The Inspectors report was received in March 2006 and all recommendations have been implemented.  Please follow this link to view the Inspector's report: Inspectors Report (PDF document 311Kb)

To find out more about the new Planning system and the work we are doing follow this link to the Planning Policy page.

You can contact the Planning Policy section on 01362 656873 or by email to: planningpolicyteam@breckland.gov.uk

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