Dover District Council

Dover District Council has modernised and strengthened its planning service through collaborative leadership, coordinated working, and data-driven improvement. Performance has risen sharply, extension of time (EOT) agreements have halved, and reliance on external consultants has ended for the first time in 20 years. Residents and communities now benefit from clearer communication, faster decisions, and a more open, constructive approach to engagement. Innovation in digital tools, "blitz" working, design coding, and biodiversity initiatives, including early Habitat Banks, has improved accessibility and delivery. Dover now offers a resilient, modern planning service that consistently achieves strong outcomes for people and place.

Dover District Council is a planning authority delivering genuine, data-driven service transformation. Its submission demonstrated innovation and strengthened collaboration, evidenced by reduced delays, a lower enforcement caseload, and the end of a 20-year reliance on external consultants, creating a modern, proactive, and resilient service. Other initiatives, such as "blitz days", provide staff with opportunities to work through issues with the wider team, building knowledge and expertise. Further innovative practices, including enhanced Section 106 monitoring supported by online and self-service mechanisms, were strongly praised by the judges.

The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of positive stakeholder feedback from statutory consultees, other council teams, agents, developers, and the wider community. They noted the consistently high levels of satisfaction demonstrated across such a diverse range of stakeholders, reflecting a planning service that has successfully built trust and confidence across the district.

Contrary to the national picture, Dover has demonstrated the qualities of a confident, high-performing team whose planner-led transformation is both credible and commendable.

Well done to Dover District Council.