9 Monitoring and review

9.1 We will keep up to date on any future changes to policy, legislation, government guidance and best practice, which may affect the implementation of the SCI or preparation of the Council’s planning policies. 

9.2 Further reforms of the planning system have been outlined by Government through the Levelling Up White Paper (February 2022) and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022). The proposals intend to improve the planning system, which includes a range of measure such as changes to national policy, the way in which plans are prepared, decision making and the introduction of Environmental Outcomes reports. The Council will monitor progress of the planning reforms, and any effect this may have on community engagement, or the commitments set out in the SCI. It is anticipated that the Government may produce new guidance on community engagement in planning. The Council will continue to recognise the benefits and opportunities from new digital technology, and monitor how these could be used alongside existing methods of engagement. 

9.3 The SCI will be reviewed every 5 years, or to reflect any other changes that might be necessary to ensure effective community engagement takes place. Unforseen events may result in the need for temporary changes to consultation requirements or methods of engagement within the SCI (as was the case with the Covid pandemic).