Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module seeks to develop students’ knowledge of Development Management including knowledge of planning law, institutional frameworks, decision-making and the processes to which planners must adhere in their work. The management of development will be considered from a range of stakeholder viewpoints and will engage with external organisations to provide real-world perspectives. The module will also facilitate the application of that knowledge through the practical evaluation of issues surrounding planning applications. In addition, the module will encourage critical reflection of ongoing reforms to Development Management.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is delivered in two parts (with the two assessments mirroring these two parts):

- Part one focuses on the development management process and begins to consider the application of that knowledge through real-world examples. Part one will be assessed through an exam in week 6.

- Part two moves towards critical reflection of real-world planning issues whereby students must analyse a planning application to prepare a case for an inquiry. Students' ability to synthesis policy and build arguments is assessed by a mock inquiry exercise which runs in weeks eleven and twelve.

Week 1: Introduction to module and Q&A
      Introduction to DM
      Discussion group: Relating to the White Paper

Week 2: What is development and permitted development?
      Discussion group: Tensions of deregulation and growth agendas
      Workshop: Analysing DM with external guest speaker

Week 3: Planning application requirements & DM Structure
      Discussion group: Future of planning applications
      Workshop: Real-life case studies, planning applications

Week 4: Decision-making in DM
      Discussion group: Development proposals and the White Paper
      Workshop: Decision-making with real case studies with external guest speaker

Week 5: Conditions, obligations and enforcement
      Discussion group: Developer contributions and White Paper
      Drop-in session

Week 6: The future of DM and experiences from Covid-19
      Discussion group: DM reflections
      Workshop: Working through appeals with real examples

Week 7: Introduction to assessment, case study and Q&A
      Introduction to planning inquiries
      Workshop: Analysing the case study

Week 8: Creating a planning inquiry case
      Discussion group: Developing an argument
      Workshop: Inquiries with external guest speaker

Week 9: The future of appeals
      Discussion group: Reflection on appeals processes
      Drop-in session

Week 10: Planning appeal presentations by students

Week 11: Conclusion

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- To gain knowledge of the core principles of development management, including the legislative and policy framework which underpins decision-making
- To develop an ability to apply knowledge of the different aspects of the development management process to case examples
- To gain an awareness of, and ability to reflect on, the legal, political and administrative context which surrounds and influences development management
- To prepare students in the practical skills related to the work of development managers and other actors engaged in the development management system

Intended Skill Outcomes

- To develop the practical skills needed in the work of development management in the planning profession
- To develop a good understanding of the means by which planners, planning inspectors, and the Secretary of State make decisions on planning applications
- To develop an ability to prepare and analyse arguments and representations made to planning committees and inquiries
- To develop an ability to prepare a case in support of or objection to a planning application using evidence
- To develop an ability to communicate effectively in order to discuss planning proposals and pursue solutions through the development management process

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module is divided into two parts, the first of which aims to convey a basic knowledge of key elements of the development management process as a foundation on which to develop further skills and to assist students to apply that knowledge. This will be assessed through a 90 minute examination in the assessment period.

The module is designed to enable students to bring together their skills from part one in a way that assists them to contest a proposal through a mock inquiry exercise. This is assessed through an oral, group examination towards the end of the semester. Students will have the opportunity to construct a case in full support, partial support or opposition to a hypothetical planning proposal.

In sum, the breakdown of the module into these elements is intended to cover both the practical and the reflective skills required by development managers. On completion, students will have engaged positively in the making and assessing of planning applications, they will have gained experience of critically evaluating applications and demonstrated awareness of the political and governance issues associated with the process as a whole.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In their exams, the students are tested on their knowledge and understanding of the system and their ability to understand debates around planning applications. The change from a written exam to a digital exam gives the opportunity for students to use resources in responding to their exam questions, as well as overcoming some of the issues with scheduling in-person exams outside of the exam season.


In their group oral assessment, they are tested on their practical ability to contribute to a mock inquiry.

General Notes

N/A