Addison & Associates have recently completed a wide-ranging review of the planning service (including Development Management, Building Control, Planning Strategy and Transport Strategy) in Nottingham City Council.  The aim of the review was to assess the service and ensure it is ‘fit for future purpose’ in the light of the introduction comprehensive area assessments (CAA) and the ongoing planning reforms and incorporating elements around culture and structures, as well as budget and other resources.

The principal output of the review was a detailed report plus two action plans, one strategic and one operational, which addressed the following:

•Adequacy of current human resources (in respect of not only numbers, but skills required for current and future business requirements including key elements of behaviour)

•Adequacy of the current structure, it’s relationship with the corporate centre and how it facilitates cross conurbation working

•How increases in efficiency and effectiveness can be built into the service

•Ensuring appropriate leadership in respect of effectiveness, clarity and vision; especially around strategic regeneration frameworks and LDF

•Changes to service delivery, including structures, to facilitate better cross organisational, partnership and Council working

•Project and programme management arrangements

•Communications strategy and action plan

•Adequacy of the current ICT systems to support continuing evolution 

The principal areas of benefit which were identified, and which have been/are now being pursued, were as follows:

•Management re-structure to suit current needs

•Immediate filling of a key leadership role which had been vacant

•Re-structure of the support function across the planning and building control services, by sharing resources

•Reduction of duplicated activities

•A package of measures to bring about the changes in approach required by the 2004 Act

•Business process changes in Development Management

•Re-design of the relationship between Development Management and Local Land Charges

•Improvements to the IT infrastructure to support Flexible Working 

Client Nottingham City Council.  2009