Mansfield District Council is asking for feedback on its draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which sets out how the Council will consult the public on planning matters, such as new policies and planning applications.

The SCI document explains:

•Why you should comment on planning documents and applications
•How your comments can make a difference
•When opportunities to comment will arise
•How you can best make comments
•What we do with the comments received

It also provides details on the production of the Local Plan and explains how you can comment and get involved.

The consultation period runs between 26 November 2014 and 6 January 2015. Comments sent by post should reach the Council no later than 4.30pm on 6 January 2015. The online deadline is 11.59pm. Please note that any comments you make may be made available to the public.

You can view the document and comment online by visiting our Consultation Portal http://mansfield.objective.co.uk/portal/sci/draft

You can also view a copy of the document at the Civic Centre and at each County Library in the district during the consultation period. If you wish to contact them, email [email protected] or write to:

Planning Policy Manager, Mansfield District Council, Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield NG19 7BH

Your comments will be used to produce the final document, which the Council will follow when consulting on planning matters.

The current SCI was adopted in 2007 but is now out of date following changes to the Planning Regulations. The new draft SCI is based on the Town and Country local planning regulations for England 2012.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, Cllr Kate Allsop said: “We want the public to take part in the planning process and have their say on planning decisions as much as possible. The Statement of Community document will help to create an open planning process, which produces decisions that will benefit both individuals and organisations. This consultation is a great opportunity for people to have their say on how the Council should be engaging with the Mansfield community on planning matters.”