• Offered for Year: 2025/26

• Module Leader(s): Dr Alexander Wilson

• Owning School: Architecture, Planning & Landscape
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

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

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

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 Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Other Assessment

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Planning Report:

The planning report requires students to analyse a development proposal using relevant planning policy and guidance, assess its potential impacts, and reach a reasoned conclusion and recommendation. This assessment builds students’ applied understanding of the development management process and strengthens their ability to interpret policy within a real-world context.

The task mirrors professional practice by requiring students to engage with planning documentation, identify material considerations, and present findings in a clear, structured format suitable for decision-making. It supports the development of essential skills in critical analysis and policy interpretation. The report format is also well-aligned with the expectations of graduate planners.

The use of a rubric encourages students to focus on the quality and relevance of their response rather than meeting a word count.

Oral Presentation: Mock Planning Inquiry:

The oral presentation simulates a planning inquiry, where students take on stakeholder roles to argue for or against a development proposal. This assessment builds students’ understanding of the inquiry process. It encourages them to explore different perspectives, use evidence to support arguments, and engage with policy and place-based impacts.

The inquiry develops key transferable skills, including public speaking, persuasive communication, critical thinking, and collaborative working. It also helps students appreciate the democratic dimensions of the planning system and the importance of effective participation. Students are expected to present structured arguments and respond to questions.

Reading Lists

• TCP3053's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• TCP3053's Timetable