MJM Planning was appointed by the Council to carry out the following high profile Planning policy work:
- analyse representations to its Local development Framework Core Strategy Development Plan Document;
- prepare robust responses;
- negotiate possible changes with representors;
- prepare several Topic Papers and Examination statements in response to the Inspector’s Issues and Questions;
- demonstrate the Core Strategy’s consistency with Planning Policy Statement 3 on Housing.
The Core Strategy was found to be sound by the Planning Inspectorate. A review of this work is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website:
http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/publications/newsletter/issue_5/core_values_in_the_north_east.htm

As part of the Council’s Local Development Framework, the Core Strategy won a commendation in the national 2008 Royal Town Planning Institute Awards. These Awards, which have been running since 1978, are for outstanding achievement in town and country planning and celebrate the planning professions' contribution to the quality of life throughout the British Isles and Ireland. They look beyond purely physical outcomes to recognise innovative plans, processes, techniques, information systems, programmes of community involvement and improvements to public services.