Workshop report from RTPI's Planning Convention 2009.
Break out session 6: 3.50, Thursday 18 June

Speakers: Phil Kirby (President and Strategic Director, Planning Officers’ Society & Chief Planner, Broadland DC) - Chair
David Hackforth (Head of Planning, Milton Keynes Council)
Ian Cox (Box Clever Group)
Robin Moxon (Development Surveyor, Goodman International)

At this workshop, speakers from both the public and private sector were on hand to outline the key issues facing developers and planning authorities in delivering development in a changing economic climate. Delegates were given a detailed overview of the many different aspects of the development process and some key advice on how to best align priorities. Information presented to delegates included:

 how to be creative and flexible with resources;
 the need to share a vision and a commitment to quality and place;
 decision-making based on best value for place and people;
 the need to manage the development process to maximize opportunities and to share risk and reward.

A key focus of the workshop was how local planning authorities (LPAs) might best face the significant challenge of providing housing and infrastructure and ensuring that essential regeneration work continues to be supported during a recession. Speakers spoke comprehensively on new models of investment, with specific reference to how to manage planning obligations.

Hackforth used a series of case studies as examples of how authorities can approach and renegotiate planning obligations when seeking full delivery could render a scheme unviable. Approaches taken by Ashford, Medway & Norwich were discussed as examples of how LPAs may formalise how they negotiate relaxing their “normal” policy expectations – although it was stressed that in all cases reduced or deferred obligations were exceptional and that an open book approach and considered justification was essential when considering this.

Communication was a common theme of the workshop, and all speakers emphasised the need for better collaboration to ensure the continued delivery of development through public and private co-investment in these difficult times. A key recommendation for planners was to engage better with the roles and processes of the development industry and to form strong local partnerships. These were recognized as an essential ingredient for effective joint-working and, most importantly, for both the creation and delivery of projects of lasting value.

Author:

Kate Webster

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

26-Jun-09

Sections:

News & Media

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