The consultation for the new Statement of Community Involvement 2023 is now open.
Consultation on Winchester City’s Council’s statement of community involvement (SCI) starts 10 October 2023 and will run for a period of six weeks.
The SCI is a guidance document which describes how people can get involved in the planning decision making process, how the council will encourage the local community to participate and how it will consult on planning matters. This includes how it will engage with groups and individuals such as members of the public, businesses, interest groups and organisations.
It’s an important document which helps ensure that local people have the opportunity to have their say and that information about planning matters reaches as many people as possible.
Cllr Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan said:
‘I actively encourage as many people as possible to have their say as part of this consultation. I am clear that the planning process, including our local plan, is better with the voices and help of local people. So, it’s important we get this right to make sure local people have the opportunity to help shape their local areas where they live and work. We encourage those who can, to respond online, however, if you do not have internet access, people can phone, write or email our planning policy team too.’
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is a document that all councils must produce and keep up to date to ensure effective community involvement happens at all stages, including early stages when plans are being developed, of the planning process.
Consultation on the SCI will run from 10 October to 21 November 2023. A link to the consultation on Citizen Space can be found here.
A copy of the proposed revised Statement of Community Involvement showing the proposed revisions in tracked changes can be found here. A copy of the proposed revised SCI with no tracked changes can be found here.
All comments received will be reviewed and then taken to Cabinet for formal adoption. This is expected to be January 2024