Adapt existing places

The RTPI will demonstrate how planning can help people adapt existing buildings and places to be more sustainable. We cannot rely on new development to ensure a sustainable global future, because most resource and energy use and carbon emissions emerge from existing places. The challenge is to adapt these places and to ensure that planning supports and encourages the necessary changes.

We will work with governments and other partners to identify and disseminate new means by which planning can provide incentives for adaptive change to existing buildings and places.

Action plan summary

Phase 1: Project scoping / liaison with partners

• Form project management group
• Identify means whereby planning can develop approaches to adapt existing buildings and places
• Identify initial portfolio of techniques and tools from GA consultation response
• Characterise by function (plan making/development management/effective community engagement
• Discuss scope with CLG/DECC/Nations governments and relevant agencies

Phase 2: Identify key issues - frame brief and research questions

• Develop research brief
• Examine delivery options/costs
• Identify key research targets – sourcing techniques and tools and means of evaluation

Phase 3: Project development / liaison with partners

• Develop funding relationships
• Develop knowledge relationships

Phase 4: Project inception

• Finalise brief
• Appoint delivery body/partnership

Phase 5: Project delivery

• Delivery body in partnership with project management group
• Carry out formal call for evidence (including use of Networks)
• Develop and test evaluation criteria
• Document plan making techniques and tools
• Document development management techniques and tools

Phase 6: Road testing

• Present draft recommended evaluation criteria, techniques and tools – seek views
• Canvass draft recommendations with members focus groups – seek views
• Refine and finalise recommendations with project management group

Phase 7: Launch/publication/dissemination/campaign

• Via Commitment 6

Phase 8: Monitor/review

Outcomes

1. Link to Commitment 1 – behavioural change is achieved using planning community engagement as a means to build commitments to action from key stakeholders and in communities. Identify and campaign for positive behaviours.

2. Link to Commitment 3 – legislative and regulatory change is achieved to incentivise positive management of existing stock. Identify and campaign for positive reforms.

3. Identify, evaluate and promote tools and techniques for adaptation of existing places through planning.

Interested?

This page will be updated as the project develops. There are a number of opportunities to become involved with the RTPI in designing and delivering this project. For more information please click here to email the RTPI policy team.

• Click here to return to the seven commitments home page.

Author:

Rebecca Coates

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

17-Jun-09

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