Consultation Statement - Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

This statement sets out how public engagement informed the preparation of the updated Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). It should be read in conjunction with the SCI, which sets out how engagement for planning documents and planning applications in Dartmoor National Park is undertaken.

Background

The SCI sets out how Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) engages and consults with communities, stakeholders, and statutory bodies on planning policy documents and individual planning applications. An updated SCI was published for public consultation from 14th July 2025 to 23rd September 2025. The principal proposed change was the removal of neighbour notification letters from DNPA’s standard planning publicity commitments, aligning our approach with neighbouring authorities and reducing administrative and financial burdens.

Consultees

Notification of the consultation and details of how to comment were sent by email to Parish Councils, Members, planning agents, statutory consultees, and subscribers to DNPA newsletters. The consultation explicitly highlighted the proposed removal of neighbour letters to ensure consultees were aware of this change.

Publicity

The draft SCI was published on the DNPA website and made available for inspection as a paper copy at the DNPA offices. Details of the consultation and how to comment were publicised via DNPA newsletters and on social media, including Facebook and LinkedIn, with reminders posted during the consultation period to encourage participation.

Responses

A total of four consultation responses were received: three from individuals and one from a Parish Council. The main issues raised concerned the removal of neighbour notification letters and ensuring the accessibility of planning information. All responses reflected the risks already identified by Officers regarding public awareness of planning applications. A full table summarising the comments and DNPA responses is included in the next section of this document.

Next Steps

The updated SCI will be taken to Authority for Members consideration and will be reviewed every five years, or sooner if significant changes in legislation or practice occur.

Summary of Responses

Response	Summary	Key Themes	DNPA Response
Individual (email submission)	Opposes stopping neighbour letters; relies on letters to know about local applications. Concerned that email alerts no longer function. Questions how residents can join notification lists. Requests clarity on Permitted Development / Lawful Dev Certificates. Suggests including “30% rule” as a material consideration.	Neighbour notification critical for accessibility. Concerns about digital exclusion. Clarity needed on notification processes.	Keep current SCI. Neighbour letters will only be removed once digital notifications are fully operational, and this change will be clearly communicated to the public. Clarification on how to sign up for notifications will be provided. Material planning considerations list can be reviewed for completeness.
Parish Council	Disagrees with removal of neighbour letters. Believes neighbours and landowners should be informed by post.	Neighbour notification critical for accessibility	Same as above Retain letters until digital notifications are live. Public communication will ensure transparency.
Individual (online form)	Unsure about how to contribute if notifications are not sent. Finds SCI complex and bureaucratic. Suggests using simpler language, visual or verbal explanations. Opposes removal of neighbour letters; older residents may be excluded. Notices may not be visible depending on property layout.	Accessibility & understanding of SCI. Neighbour notification critical. Digital exclusion risks.	Maintain SCI as drafted. Emphasise that neighbour letters remain until digital system operational. Suggestions around visual and verbal explanations have been noted and can be incorporated into the new website to support accessibility and engagement. No language changes needed as it is a planning document and must retain appropriate technical terminology.
Individual (online form)	Similar concerns about accessibility and stopping neighbour letters. Points out potential discrimination against those without internet/email.	Accessibility & digital exclusion. Neighbour notification critical.	Same approach Retain letters until digital notifications are live and communicated. No immediate changes to SCI language necessary, as it is a planning document and must retain appropriate technical terminology, though we have sought to keep it as clear and simple as possible.