The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the professional body for Britain’s 22,000 planners, has today welcomed the publication of the first draft National Policy Statements, but warned that without an overall national spatial plan, we risk missing out significantly on the real economic, social and climate change benefits of planning new major infrastructure in a coherent way.

Matt Thomson, RTPI acting Director of Policy and Partnerships said:

“We welcome the publication of the first of the draft National Policy Statements which provide, for the first time, an opportunity for genuine debate on the national need for the various types of infrastructure.
What is clearly lacking, however, is a national spatial plan which brings together plans for jobs, housing and tackling climate change with those for energy, transport and water.

Without this, the nation cannot be certain that it will get the right infrastructure in the right place, and without which, the Government will fail to address the real national needs in a locally sensitive way.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Tino Hernandez, Head of Marketing and Communications, RTPI
tino.hernandez@rtpi.org.uk or 07830879274

Notes to Editors

1. RTPI: The Royal Town Planning Institute
The RTPI is the largest professional institute for planners in Europe, with more than 22,000 members. As well as promoting spatial planning, the RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development.

The RTPI is based at:
41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL

The RTPI is a charity, registered in England 262865 and Scotland SC 037841.

Author:

Nancy Hammonds

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

10-Nov-09

Categories:

Policy 

Sections:

News & Media

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