Introduction: Anna Rose (Head of PAS)

As I write this, it is Planning Reform Day again. We will be getting the PAS tour bus ready and revising our track-changed NPPF for a busy September and October on the road. These events are always popular, and we can't wait to get out and see you all. Further information on upcoming NPPF events will be available shortly.

In addition to our popular Planning Committee Chairs residential courses, we also offer one for Portfolio holders and lead members for local plans. PAS and our wonderful member peers lead these, and they cover all aspects of plan-making and place leadership and will provide a strong foundation for those leading a Local Plan under the new system.

We're heading into our busiest period, so please keep an eye on your inboxes and the network chats so you don't miss out.

NPPF events

We are planning a series of in-person events and 'deep dives' into the NPPF, starting with how it changes development management. Expect details on the new presumption, location of development and the national development management policies themselves. We will also be interested to hear how you think market signals will work for commercial development. We will send a 'bonus' bulletin in a few days with more details. Expect something for plan-makers later in October.

Councillor training: Local plan leaders

10/11 October 2026 and 19/20 January 2027, Warwick University

We still have places available on our councillor events focussed on leading new system Local Plans. These are 2 two-day events for council leaders, portfolio holders and local plan leads in October and January.

The sessions will provide a strong foundation for councillors leading on Local Plans - providing information on the new system and their role. This will enable them to become a champion of the plan and share this knowledge with their colleagues. We have received lots of positive feedback from previous attendees and seen how participation has really helped to drive forward progress with Local Plans.

To find out more visit our events page or to book a place, please contact: grace.collins@local.gov.uk. Places are limited; book as soon as possible.

Planning committee reforms: Best practice guidance now available

Following on from our online and in-person events, our Planning Committee reforms best practice guidance is now available. This includes guidance on how to amend constitutions, taking worked examples through the gateway test, and member briefing material. Head to our new planning committee reform pages to view the guidance.

PAS event: LNRS and plan making

Save the date! PAS are hosting an LNRS and Plan Making webinar on 21 October from 10.00am to 12.00pm. You will have the opportunity to hear from, and ask questions to representatives of DEFRA, Natural England, and officers from the Responsible Authorities who have already published their LNRS'. Keep an eye on the PAS Nature Network for joining instructions, and if you are not yet a member of the Nature Network, make a request to PAS@local.gov.uk

Pathways to Planning – funding available

Pathways to Planning has £1m in salary bursary funding available for councils that sign up by 1 September 2026

Councils can apply for either partial or substantial salary bursaries, with interviews taking place in October and successful candidates expected to join before Christmas.

This intake will offer councils access to the strongest available candidate pool.

A second sign-up deadline will follow on 4 November 2026. At this stage, there will be less salary funding available and a smaller candidate pool, with onboarding taking place in early 2027.

Please note that funding is not available to councils already signed up to Cohort 4 Intake 2.

If you have any questions, please contact pathways.planning@local.gov.uk

New Health and Green Infrastructure mapping tools

Natural England, the Environment Agency, and partners have launched two free mapping tools; the Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) and the Environmental Equity Index (EEI), both available now on the Green Infrastructure Framework website. These impactful maps can support planning decisions, green infrastructure investment, health strategies, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and community advocacy across England.

Explore your area, export the data, and put the evidence to work.

Read Natural England’s blog to find out more and join us at our autumn webinars on:

• Better evidence. better tools, better outcomes webinar, 29 September
• Green infrastructure framework: Mapping deep dive webinar, 6 October

Consultation on electricity infrastructure

DESNZ has published a consultation on a proposal to introduce a new Permitted Development Right (PDR) for certain ground investigations and surveys required to support electricity network infrastructure in England. The proposed PDR would allow certain temporary, low-impact ground investigations and surveys to proceed without the need for a planning application, subject to conditions and safeguards. The aim is to reduce delays and administrative burdens for electricity network developers and local planning authorities whilst maintaining appropriate environmental protections.

The consultation will close on Friday 4 September.