Knowledge

Rural

Now more than ever, the planning system is vital in guiding where our growing population live and work. It shapes our villages, towns, cities and countryside alike.

Latest news

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Parsons Brinckerhoff has been commissioned to carry out a study of neighbourhood planning in rural areas. A joint commission by DECC and DEFRA to 'document the experiences and challenges encountered by neighbourhood planning 'front runner' projects in rural areas'.
Natural England release first suite of National Character Area Profiles. England is divided into 159 natural areas defined as a combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity, culture and economic activity. The first tranche of written profiles have been released with the project to be completed in January 2014.
State of Rural Services 2012 report released. This report, produced by the Rural Services Network focuses on four areas: broadband; business support/advice services; fire and rescue services; and actions to address fuel poverty. It brings together a review of recent evidence and analysis, with intelligence and some examples from service delivery organisations.
Report on the recognition of rural interests within Local Enterprise partnerships, from the Commission for Rural Communities highlights the need to consider rural issues within even predominately urban areas recognising that rural areas have the potential to contribute considerably towards the primary objectives of LEPs.

Policy changes and consultations

View all the consultations that the RTPI are currently responding to and make a contribution.

Practice

Signposting to more rural practice advice.

Networks

We have three networks which cover rural issues - Regeneration, Housing and Transport. They enable members to share advice, information and examples of good practice.

In addition, we have an active biodiversity and countryside management group. Please contact us for more information.

RTPI projects and research

Rural Coalition. The RTPI is a member of the Rural Coalition.

Our viewpoint

Rural areas and communities are rapidly changing and are highly variable, with issues and approaches differing significantly. We believe a joined up approach is required in the development of rural policy and it is through sharing information, experience and expertise that we will provide innovative and realistic solutions to many of the issues faced by rural areas and communities.