Decision details

To update Cabinet on progress in developing a Shared Planning Service between South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCD) and Cambridge City Council (CCC).

Cabinet

1.     Noted progress to date on the implementation of the shared planning service.

2.     Agreed the development of the multi-phase programme for delivery of theproject (see Appendix 1 of the report).

3.     Approved the broad principles of the proposed management structure (Appendix 2) as the basis for the continued development of the organisationalstructure.

4.     Agreed the allocation of additional resources to support the programme as set out in paragraph 21 – 24.

5.     Agreed the early introduction of a “Greater Cambridge Planning Service” designation on signatures of emails from planning staff of bothCouncils

6.     Noted the need for seamless ICT systems across Greater Cambridge and to note the commitment to early work (and costs) on the procurement of a common ICT system for planning.

7.     Noted the high level objectives identified by the project team and invite them to consider adding to them the need to retain and support an understanding of Place in the way shared service was structured, delivered and managed.

8.     Noted the competitive market for planning staff, and asked officers to explore measures that will strengthen the recruitment and retention of planning staff.