P4.4: Steering Group

A Steering Group should be established to draw together a small group of key officers who can monitor and manage the process. This Group should include the developer/project promoter and their consultants to form a joint ‘Development Team’ approach to taking the project forward.

The Local Authority should formally act as Chair and Co-ordinator of the Steering Group. The core membership of the group needs to comprise each partner organisation’s lead project staff as appropriate (including the Project Director and Project Manager roles). Other parties can be co-opted onto the group as required, as and when specific issues arise. The Group does not necessarily need to be large and should be kept to key members that could have a significant impact on the potential outcome of the process

The prime purpose of such a group would be to drive forward the project plan, identify tasks and delegate them to the appropriate bodies. It will provide an overall guiding body and a forum for constructive dialogue to discuss and resolve any disputes.  It should also agree a strategy for engagement that includes officers, statutory and other stakeholders, local interest groups and the public. The potential role of topic specific working groups should be considered as part of this process.

Member, key external stakeholder and community involvement will be an important consideration in the structure of the decision making process particularly to discuss issues and get a local steer prior to submission of any planning application. It may be appropriate to include the local member or portfolio holder on the Steering Group, or alternatively use an existing Advisory Group or structure that can be bolted into.