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Search the Public Notice PortalTHE planning team at Uttlesford Council has scooped two national awards.
Uttlesford Council’s planning team was named Local Authority Planning Team of the Year at the 2026 Planning Awards, also taking home the Editors’ Award for the highest-rated entry.
John Evans, councillor responsible for planning, said: "This is an extraordinary moment for Uttlesford.
"The planning team has shown what can be achieved through determination, professionalism, and strong leadership.
"To win both the Planning Team of the Year award and the Editors’ Award is a testament to the hard work of our officers and the renewed confidence they have built with members, partners, and our communities."
The awards mark a complete turnaround for the planning service, which was designated by the government in 2022 due to the high number of major decisions overturned on appeal.
By 2023, the service also faced potential intervention for not having an up-to-date Local Plan.
In response, Uttlesford Council launched an improvement programme which stabilised staffing, reduced reliance on agency workers, strengthened leadership and introduced new performance systems.
Decision-making quality and speed improved, with a sharp drop in appeal overturns starting in 2024.
The council was formally de-designated in 2025 after demonstrating consistently strong performance.
The team also guided the district’s new Local Plan through examination.
This plan has now been fully adopted, replacing one more than 20 years old.
The planning service has also overseen high-profile developments, including the expansion of London Stansted Airport.
Peter Holt, chief executive of Uttlesford Council, said: "The transformation of our planning service is one of the council’s greatest achievements in recent years.
"The team has delivered lasting improvements, an adopted Local Plan, and developed a culture of excellence that is now recognised nationally.
"We are immensely proud of their success."
The team now works with the Local Government Association’s Planning Advisory Service, sharing its learning and mentoring other authorities.
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Judges at the Planning Awards said Uttlesford’s planners delivered a "truly impressive" turnaround and demonstrated a commitment to sustainable, community-focused growth.
They said the team's work serves as an inspiration to planning authorities nationwide.
The 2026 Planning Awards were judged by a panel of 24 leading practitioners and supported by the Planning Officers Society.
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