Transcript Needle and syringe programmes

Needle and syringe
programmes
Working with Local Authorities:A strategic and community
development approach to planning
applications
Introduction






The planning system
Engaging key players
Community development
Publicity and media interest
Case Study
Q&A, discussion.
When is planning permission
required?
 Planning controls are based on the concept of
“development”.
 Development Plans – particular to each local area.
Outlines what types of development are permitted.
 Planning Policy Guidance note 12:Development Plans
– advises authorities to consider the relationship of
planning proposals to social needs and problems.
 Property requirements – does an existing property
need upgrading /are new premises required?
 Building Regulations
Finding New premises
 Location- consider access , security.
 Is there property available which already has planning
permission for health and social care use? (DI )
 Change of use ? – Use class D1 – health centres and
clinics
 Planning considerations – appropriate location, access
, increased traffic , both people and vehicular,
disturbance , minimising impact on the existing
community.
Planning Applications – the process
Contact L.A and inform of proposal
Check local Development Plan
Obtain planning application form
What type of planning permission?
Outline /Full?
 Consultation ?
 Submit application
 Check timescales




Key Players
 Know your local councillors and their
particular spheres of influence/interest
 Commissioners
 Public Health leads
 Police
 Community Safety Partners
 Parents/ Carers organisations
 Planning officers
 The L.A press office.
Engaging Communities.
 How will you respond to NIMBYism? What will
you do about Drug Related Litter , drug users
“hanging around “, fear of increased crime,
stereotyping etc etc…?
 Are there any community champions in the area
or who have had contact with the service/similar
services before? Enlist their support.
 Are there local problem solving partnership
groups in the area?
 Talk to - - businesses , street wardens ,
community beat officers, residents associations,
near neighbours .
 Consultation –who, when ,where, how!
Be prepared
 Know the strategic key priorities for your LAA. What is
their vision? How does your service contribute?
 What are the number of people in drug treatment?
How many PDUs not engaged?
 What are the local issues in the immediate area?
 Engage with local authority services that deal with
drug related litter – set up policies , protocols and
training to deal with the issue.
 What added value will the service bring , particularly if
it is a tier2 direct access Harm Reduction Service?
 Gain the support of Parent/Carer organisations.
 Maximise the potential gains under the Public Health
agenda.
Publicity and Media interest
 Have press releases and statements preparedif possible from a variety of sources e.g. police
public health leads , the local councillor ,
commissioner .
 Be prepared for local press and TV coverage .
Who will put the case and what will they want
to promote?
 Be prepared for meetings with vocal local
communities. What will you present? Who can
manage public consultation/confrontation
calmly and with focus?
Safety nets
 Where else can needle exchange be carried
out?
 Pharmacies
 Treatment centres
 Gp surgeries/Drop in Centres
 A&E
 Mobile
 Outreach
 Community projects
A case study
 Never underestimate the power of a well orchestrated
community objection
 If all the above suggestions followed and still
planning permission refused….
 Turn the negative into a positive – Where else will
harm reduction get so much free publicity – the reach
can be tremendous.
 Use the opportunity to involve a wider audience in the
debate
 Be open and encourage objectors to visit services
 Build on the knowledge around issues in local
communities.
Further Information
 General Planning Guidance for
Residential &Non Residential Drug
Treatment Centres
drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/.../treatment
/guidance-drug-centres
 Google Needle exchange and planning.
 [email protected]