Title

PLANNING

Devon councils consider sharing some planning functions

Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are considering joining forces to deliver planning services.

Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are considering joining forces to deliver planning services.

If approved, the two councils would share functions such as planning compliance, major development and housing delivery.

Last year, Plymouth was invited to review Torbay's spatial planning functions and made a number of recommendations to improve the service.

Deputy leader of Plymouth, Patrick Nicholson, said: ‘We were asked to carry out a review to help Torbay get a clear picture of the improvements they need to make and are now being asked to work more closely with them so that these changes can be made at pace.'

Executive lead for planning at Torbay,Cllr Derek Mills, added: ‘Planning has always been much wider than the boundaries of one authority.

'All authorities are working more closely together to deliver housing and vital infrastructure designed to encourage economic growth and prosperity for our residents and businesses.'

PLANNING

Make AI a booster, not a blocker

By Vivek Behl | 22 August 2025

Without a co-ordinated approach to AI adoption, councils risk causing confusion and frustration rather than improving productivity, says Vivek Behl.

PLANNING

Devolution revolution?

By Laura Hughes | 21 August 2025

As the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill begins its passage through Parliament, Laura Hughes assesses whether or not it delivers on the gover...

PLANNING

Fair funding must reflect real need – not just population growth

By Cllr Tracey Dixon | 21 August 2025

Any fair funding formula must reflect not just how many people live in an area, but the depth and breadth of their needs, says the leader of South Tyneside C...

PLANNING

Farage: Put pressure on councils to follow Epping Forest

By Dan Peters | 19 August 2025

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has urged people to 'put pressure' on councils to go to court after a High Court ruling.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman