Planning for Place

Planning Aid North (PAN) is now receiving an increasing number of requests from community groups across the North of England interested in developing community based plans.

Two years ago, the local service was commended by the RTPI NE Region for an externally funded community support project in Gateshead. PAN worked in three neighbourhood renewal areas to explain the role of planning in regeneration and to promote the value of good urban design. In one area, Felling, local residents who were part of a community reference group, carried out a full appraisal of their neighbourhood, looking at character areas and developing a constructive recommendations report which was forwarded to the Council.

PAN is utilising some of the issues raised by residents in one character area as a modelling technique to help community groups, volunteers, young professionals and stakeholders appreciate the value of community planning, how it supports empowerment and the importance of good planning and design in creating places they want to live, work and play in.

It was fitting that during the recent visit by Ann Skippers and Sue Percy to Newcastle, PAN held a training event for volunteers on this subject and the importance of good community engagement. Volunteers were able to share experiences on examples such as the Byker Wall and Stockton regeneration, learn about the value being placed upon engagement by Bridging NewcastleGateshead, the learning experiences of students and take part in one of PAN’s modelling exercises.

Ann commented after the event: “Volunteering makes an enormous contribution to the community and helps with personal development for the individual. The success of Planning Aid is due in no small part to the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the people I have met during my visit here. I have been inspired to put my name forward to become a Planning Aid volunteer and I look forward to my first project."

PAN has launched a new support programme in the Old Town of Hartlepool. Local authority members and officers are supportive of the community evolving their vision for the area into a community plan. PAN has defined the extent of the plan, looked at community issues and identified groups to participate with the Burbank neighbourhood forum. A team of volunteers is being mobilised to support the community. If any members feel that they would be interested in supporting PAN with this type of work, then please contact Chris Anderson on 0191 222 5776.

Author:

Kay Lough

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

02-Sep-10

Categories:

Nations & Regions 

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