Planners warn of ‘vacuum’ if planning system changed in haste

The Royal Town Planning Institute has responded to the coalition government’s publication of its ‘Programme for Government’, which outlines a series of proposed reforms to the planning system, warning that it is vital to avoid a ‘vacuum’ in planning policy.

Richard Summers, RTPI Senior Vice President said:

“The new government's plans for the planning system are still unclear despite the ‘Coalition Programme for Government’ announced today. We want to work positively with the government to ensure that any changes to the planning system are made only where they are necessary and workable and that suitable transition measures are put in place.

The RTPI strongly believes there needs to be a level of planning between the local and the national to avoid a strategic policy vacuum at the sub-national level. We are not convinced that incentives for new building will win over the hearts and minds of communities to support development proposals in their local areas and await further details with interest.”

• The RTPI has recently published it’s ‘Manifesto for Planning’, setting out what we believe should be the future for planning and details how these principles can be delivered

ENDS

For more information, contact:
Jamie Hodge, Communications and Public Affairs Officer, RTPI
T: 07826 849 165
E: jamie.hodge@rtpi.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Coalition Programme for Government
This is available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_187877

2. RTPI: The Royal Town Planning Institute
The RTPI is the largest professional institute for planners in Europe, with over 22,000 members who serve in government, local government and as advisors in the private sector. It is a charity with the purpose to develop the art and science of town planning for the benefit of the public as a whole. As well as promoting spatial planning, RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development.

Royal Town Planning Institute
41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL
RTPI, a charity registered in England 262865 and Scotland SC 037841

Author:

Jamie Hodge

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

20-May-10

Categories:

 

Sections:

News & Media , The RTPI

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