workshops

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 next Planning Workshop, entitled What’s New in the NPPF, will be held at The Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UX on Friday 20 November 2026. 10-30am-12.30pm. It is free to all Devon CPRE members as well as town and parish councils who have group membership. This workshop will focus on the newly revised NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). Presented by experienced independent planning consultant, Jo Widdecombe, we’ll be looking at the fairly major changes which have been introduced by the government, what they mean to the planning process, and what’s important. FREE admission to Devon CPRE members and member organisations (up to 3 free people free per member organisation), including refreshments. £15 per person for non members. To book your place(s) at this workshop, email Penny at info@cpredevon.org.uk

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Planning workshop 2025

June 7, 2025

Devon CPRE, the Devon branch of the Countryside Charity CPRE, organises an annual Planning Workshop to arm town and parish councils with the knowledge and tools to make effective responses to planning applications.

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Planning workshop 2024

March 25, 2024

Devon CPRE runs regular workshops that provide invaluable advice and guidance to help town and parish councils engage with the planning process as statutory consultees.

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CPRE Devon Planning Workshop for town and parish councils 2019

October 29, 2019

Representatives from town and parish councils across Devon attended a special CPRE Devon Planning Workshop in October 2019. Led by planning consultant Jo Widdecombe, the event aimed to empower local councils to understand and engage with the planning process.

seminars & meetings

Understanding the Grid – 26th October 2026, Hatherleigh

Join our independent expert at an informative free seminar to learn how the Grid works here in the South West, and whether a new line of pylons are planned locally from North Tawton to Alverdiscott and why. Monday 26th October 2026. Hatherleigh Community Centre, 11am.

Understanding the Grid & Battery Energy Storage Systems

Join two independent experts for an informative seminar exploring the electricity grid and Battery Energy Storage Systems. Thursday 24th September at 7pm at Alverdiscott Village Hall.

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Annual General Meeting 2025

Our AGM took place on 1 October 2025 at Exe Valley Farm Shop, Thorverton, with guest speaker Dr Todd Gray MBE talking on the lost history of Devon.