Key politicians are to face questions about our built environment at a hustings next Wednesday (27 April) in Edinburgh. Jointly organised by the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), the RTPI Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Chapter in Scotland and the Scottish Young Planners Network, the event will bring timely political focus on the issues that affect the built environment – drawing on themes such as architecture, urban planning, environmental sustainability and housing need.

Chair of the event Robin Burley MBE, Chair of BEFS, said:
“BEFS has a vision for Scotland that by 2020 there is an ethos across government, the private and the third sectors of delivering quality outcomes for Scotland’s uniquely distinctive villages, towns, cities and cultural landscapes; a collaborative approach that puts local communities at the heart of local places, fully engaged in the sustainable management and development of their local areas. This vision will only be delivered in collaboration with Government and we are pleased that this hustings is an opportunity for the sector to invite politicians to join that collaboration.”

Nikola Miller, Convenor of the Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Chapter of the RTPI in Scotland and a young planner welcomed the debate:
“Planning needs to be central to what the Scottish government does if we are serious about achieving sustainable economic development, protecting our environment and heritage, and tackling climate change. These are weighty issues that go to the heart of shaping Scotland’s future and I am delighted that the event has attracted such high profile speakers from the parties. Everyone concerned with the built environment is passionate about what they do and I am sure it will be a lively hustings.”

Confirmed speakers include Fiona Hyslop (SNP) - who until the dissolution of Parliament was the Minister for Culture -  Jenny Marra (Lab), Willie Rennie  (Lib Dem), Gordon Lindhurst (Con) and Alison Johnstone (Green).

The event takes place at the Scottish Story Telling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR on Wednesday 27th April 5-7 (doors open at 4.45pm).

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1. Built Environment Forum for Scotland (BEFS) is a membership organisation bringing together voluntary and professional non-governmental organisations that operate at the national level and represent people who work within the built environment sector.  Through its members, BEFS connects with over 325,000 individuals through 540 organisations.

As an umbrella organisation BEFS informs, mediates and advocates on strategic issues affecting both the historic and contemporary elements within the Scottish built environment.  In defining the Built Environment and the Historic Environment, BEFS accepts the widest interpretation of the terms, reflecting its inclusive approach and its members are involved in a wide range of activities within the sector.

Adopting an integrated approach, our aim is to secure better places in Scotland by developing the right conditions for achieving places that are of good quality, that are valued, that work for people that are distinctly Scottish. To contact BEFS please contact Mary Craig on mcraig@befs.org.uk

2. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the largest professional institute for planners in Europe, with over 23,000 members. As well as promoting spatial planning, RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built and natural environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development. RTPI, a charity registered in England 262865 and Scotland SC 03784. To contact RTPI in Scotland please contact Craig McLaren craig.mclaren@rtpi.org.uk

3. The event is full booked. Journalists wanting to attend should contact mcraig@befs.org.uk 0131 220 6741 or 07906388354.

Author:

Adam Le Dieu

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

14-Apr-11

Categories:

RTPI News 

Sections:

News & Media

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