Community Engagement

25-Mar-11

Community engagement is fundamental to good planning, planning fosters community involvement and helps to empower individuals to shape their towns and cities.

latest news

Policy changes and consultations

The Localism Bill received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011.
The Neighbourhood Planning Regulations were published for consultation on 13 October 2011. The RTPI responded to the consultation.

Further information on neighbourhood planning can be found on the RTPI's neighbourhood planning webpage.

Practice

Your place, your plan - a community guide to planning - The TCPA, supported by The Co-operative Group and developed with the GRaBS (Green and Blue Space Adaptation in Urban Areas and Eco-towns) project , have put together a community guide designed to help and encourage anyone to wants get involved in the planning process in their local area.
Good Practice Guide to Public Engagement in Development Schemes (pdf) - This guidance provides practical advice for anyone involved in public engagement for development schemes and is illustrated by real examples of good practice. Jointly published by Planning Aid England and Planning Aid for London.
GPN1: Guidelines on Effective Community Involvement and Consultation
Planning Aid - The RTPI maintains strong links with Planning Aid, which supports communities in engaging with the planning system and offers free planning advice to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay professional fees.
Signposting to more practice advice is available.

Networks

The RTPI Regeneration Network is open to anyone who is involved in or interested in regeneration and covers community involvement, participation and engagement. Join the Network.

The RTPI Development Planning Network is a virtual community of planning professionals with an interest or involvement in development planning. Join the Network.

RTPI Projects and research

We have recently carried out research into "How can existing tools be used to deliver neighbourhood planning?" and also collated examples on our website.

Our view point

We believe that community engagement and involvement in the planning system is essential for communities to develop their vision for the future of their area, to provide the means for areas and the nation to decide on priorities for investment and to tackle the challenges of climate change, sustainable economic growth and social inequity. The RTPI will continue to work with the Government and Planning Aid to ensure that the right mechanism and tools are in place to facilitate successful community engagement in the planning system.

MORE INFORmation/events/cpd

Localism and Neighbourhood Plans, 25 April 2012, Birmingham
View our events calendar for all forthcoming RTPI events.
Get involved: email policy@rtpi.org.uk.