workshops & events
Planning Workshops
We offer regular (annual/biannual) Planning Workshops designed for our Parish and Town Council members – around 20% of Devon’s third-tier authorities are now members of Devon CPRE, and the number is rising every year.
These Workshops are open to all members, but are particularly useful for people with no planning background who find themselves having to consider planning applications as statutory consultees, like local councillors.
Our award-winning Planning Consultant, Jo Widdecombe MRTPI gives delegates the benefit of 20 years’ experience in reading, assessing and responding to planning applications. She points out the difference between ‘material planning considerations’ and ‘opinions’, shows how to interpret maps and drawings, and delves into some of the more arcane aspects of planning law and practice that delegates have come across. We also take a look at latest developments in planning policy, such as the Devolution/Local Government Reorganisation programme, and the implications for local councillors.
Next Planning Workshop
Our most recent Planning Workshop was held in Tiverton on 20 May 2025. If you would like to attend the next workshop, email info@cpredevon.org.uk for details.