RTPI members from across England met in Derby over the weekend (January 13-14) at a two day conference to better understand the Government’s changes to the planning system and to learn more about Planning Aid’s new resources to help communities get to grips with neighbourhood planning.

More than 40 PAE volunteers attended the Your Passport to Neighbourhood Planning event which showcased a series of newly designed community workshops under the banner of ‘Are You Fit'?'.

Planning Aid's project manager, John Rider Dobson

John Rider Dobson, Planning Aid’s Project Manager said:

“This was an important event as we gear up to launching an innovative new resource to help communities. We are extremely proud of our volunteers and the outstanding commitment they continue to show in giving their time freely to support the service. Feedback from our volunteers in Derby was very positive and they also made many suggestions which we will be taking on board.”

Delegates took part in a series of group sessions designed to increase their understanding of how PAE can support communities on different planning issues, analyse whether their neighbourhood is ready to embark on neighbourhood planning, as well as identifying the most appropriate planning and non planning tools to address these issues.

Incoming RTPI President, Colin Haylock

Incoming RTPI President, Colin Haylock pictured right), himself a Planning Aid England volunteer, welcomed delegates to Derby and stressed the Institute’s ongoing support for PAE, whatever the decision on future government funding. Acting Director for Planning Aid England, Kelvin MacDonald highlighted the tremendous strength of the service, stretching back almost four decades, with its ability to constantly adapt the way in which it is organised and financed.

Presentations were also held to update volunteers on the latest developments on neighbourhood planning, including the views from two front runners, and to discuss the new workshops for communities in detail.

The second day focused on sharpening the skills of the volunteers in a number of key areas: leadership, facilitation and mediation.

The first of the ‘Are You Fit For Neighbourhood Planning’ events for communities will run later this month and then rolled out more widely in February and March. Due to popular demand and with over 20 expressions of interest to delivery community planning activities in April and beyond, PAE expect to run another event for volunteers who were unable to come to Derby.

Event podcasts:

1. 10 minute interview with incoming RTPI President Colin Haylock on the importance of Planning Aid England.
2. 10 minute interview with PAE Volunteer manager, Julie Orrey, on the Derby event and volunteering for Planning Aid England.
3. Incoming RTPI President Colin Haylock’s address to volunteers.

 Photos from the event on our Flickr photostream.

The two day event programme was:

Day One – Delivered by the PAE team

Neighborhood Planning Master class – with the following sections;

The Technical Elements

The Local Context

Are They Fit?

Day Two – Delivered by staff, external facilitators and a PAE volunteer

PAE – Update on targets and priorities for 2012/13

Leaderships Skills

Facilitation Skills

Mediation in Planning

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Author:

James Butler

Publisher:

Planning Aid

Date:

17-Jan-12

Categories:

Planning Aid 

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