Winner - Bassetlaw District Council
Bassetlaw is an innovative, dynamic, and commercially evolving institution. With a renewed focus on customer service and pragmatic working, Bassetlaw is proud to be leading.
Bassetlaw is an evolving department thanks to a new commercially driven operating practice. Following a period of change, Bassetlaw is proud to prioritise customer service whilst delivering exceptional services. Being an innovative and friendly workplace, Bassetlaw has successfully attracted top talent with 13 new starters in 3 months across all levels, resulting in a department with new, flexible resources able to adapt to new challenges. Huge opportunities are coming to Bassetlaw through internationally significant projects, and Bassetlaw Planning Department through its amazing and supportive team will succeed in meeting future challenges head on whilst trailblazing new ways of working.
"Bassetlaw's team is clearly working cohesively and achieving good outcomes. The 'testimonials' provided, demonstrate commitment to working with clients and stakeholders to provide support and achieve good outcomes. Bassetlaw District Council, in the face of significant resources constraints have worked to achieve there wider goals and aspirations. The efforts of Planners such as Jamie Elliott is reflected in their submission along with their ongoing commitment and work on climate action. There submission acknowledges their limitations and restrictions and demonstrates how a modern planning authority is required to reflect difficult challenges".
Commended - Harborough District Council
The Team prepared a draft Local Plan in record-breaking time, reaching consultation on the draft Local Plan (under Regulation 19) in just 15 months.
Harborough District Council Strategic and Local Planning Team prepared a draft Local Plan in record-breaking time, reaching consultation on the draft Local Plan (under Regulation 19) in just 15 months. This was achieved with the fantastic support of senior officers and members through careful project management, the work of a number of consultancies, who provided evidence studies, and additional capacity and most importantly, the dedication, expertise and incredible hard work of the entire team and wider council.
The Harborough team's approach to Local Plan making is innovative and impressive. It is clear that a lot of effort has gone in to team leadership and cohesion, leading to speedy and focussed delivery. Unfortunately, the limited evidence regarding community engagement, inclusive planning brings the overall score down.