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17 September 2026
Course Content:
Parish and Town Councils play a vital role in the planning system. This course is designed to give Clerks & Councillors the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to engage effectively with planning applications and represent their communities. Planning is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities of a Parish or Town Council. Clerks & Councillors are expected to comment knowledgeably on applications, understand planning policy, and make balanced, lawful recommendations.
Who Should Attend:
It is ideal for the Clerk or members of the Council who deal with planning applications or who are part of the Council’s planning committee.
This course is also recommended for all new Clerks and forms part of the core courses that are required to be completed if you wish to undertake the CiLCA qualification.
Course Overview:
This course will give a basic knowledge of how planning decisions are made by Full Council/Committee and an understanding of a Parish/Town Council’s role. A course dedicated to planning that is regularly brought up to date by the course tutor with the latest planning legislation. Please note that this is only an introduction to planning.
Course Outcome:
By the end of the course, attendees will:
- Feel confident participating in planning discussions
- Understand how to protect their council and community
- Be able to make clear, lawful, and effective planning comments
- Understand how planning fits within the wider council role
- How planning decisions are made
- Types of Planning applications
- How to respond to planning applications
- Planning Enforcement
- Local Planning
- National Planning Policy Framework (NIPPF)
Course Tutor:
Adriana Jones, CiLCA
Adriana started work in Local Government in 2007 as a Finance Officer to a Parish Council. Adriana is an experienced Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), and principal Finance Officer serving three separate Parish Councils within the Epping Forest District. With over 18 years of hands-on experience in the governance and administration of Parish Councils, Adriana brings a wealth of expertise to her role when it comes to finance & planning and was heavily involved in the Local Plan examination on behalf of one Parish Council.
Her in-depth knowledge of the planning system for Parish and Town Councils is exceptional, making her a trusted resource for navigating the planning processes that Councils must adhere to. Adriana’s professional background ensures she can provide practical insights into the planning law, applications, responses and statutory compliance. Her main interest & passion is to ensure that Clerks & Councillors understand and navigate the planning system, thereby giving them the best chance of being heard.
Whether you’re looking to understand the planning procedures or gain clarity on planning regulations, Adriana’s guidance is grounded in real-world experience and best practices.
Date of Courses throughout the year & Location:
Weekdays:
17th September 10.00an – 3.30pn – Great Dunmow
26th November 10.00am – 3.30pn – Great Dunmow
Saturdays:
13th June - 9.30am - 3.00pm – Great Dunmow
21st November - 9.30am – 3.00pm – Great Dunmow
Cost of Courses from 1st April 2026
Weekday: Subscribers - £90.00 + VAT, Non-Subscribers - £108.00 + VAT
Saturday: Subscribers - £105.00 + VAT, Non-Subscribers - £125.00 + VAT
A light lunch & refreshments will be provided.
Suitable For: Clerks, Councillors, and Officers
How to book: Please fill out the following booking form and send to- pearlwillcox@councilwise.co.uk.