1. Needle and syringe programmes Working with Local Authorities:- A strategic and community development approach to planning applications

2. Introduction • The planning system • Engaging key players • Community development • Publicity and media interest • Case Study • Q&A, discussion.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. Publicity and Media interest • Have press releases and statements prepared-if 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?

10. Safety nets • Where else can needle exchange be carried out? • Pharmacies • Treatment centres • Gp surgeries/Drop in Centres • A&E • Mobile • Outreach • Community projects

11. 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.

12. 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. • isabella@lifeline.org.uk