The RTPI provides up to date information, support and practice advice on a wide range of topics to practicing town planners.

We do this through producing Good Practice Notes (GPNs), providing signposts to the latest good practice guidance, from a range of planning stakeholders, including through our dedicated Climate Change Compendium. 

Advice is also available through our Planners in the Workplace initiative, we aim to harness the knowledge and expertise of practicing planners through our Networks and Associations, and run a varied events programme.

The RTPI's Manifesto for Planning: Shaping the Future shapes our practice work together with our Corporate Strategy 2010-2014.

Latest Good Practice Work

♦ Good Practice Guide to Public Engagement in Development Schemes  New!

The RTPI fully endorses this guidance which provides practical advice for everyone involved in public engagement in development schemes. It is illustrated by real examples of good practice an provides information and assistance to those planning, engaging in, or assessing community consultation. Published by Planning Aid England and Planning Aid for London.

♦ RTPI Planning Awards: Celebrating Best Practice  New!

Provides inspiration for planners by outlining the successful elements of the 63 winners and commended entries of the RTPI Planning Awards from the last three years - 2007, 2008 and 2009, provide examples of the very best in town planning practice.

♦ Climate Change Compendium  Updated!

Supports the RTPI’s Seven Commitments on Climate Change by providing signposting to key web sites, guidance, research, tools and case studies giving practice advice and supporting information on climate change.

♦ Helping Planning Services Respond to the Challenges Ahead
As the Budget cuts bite into local authorities how can planners make the case that their contribution is central to local survival, whilst taking forward the new localism agenda? RTPI Trustee Janice Morphet outlines ten ideas to help planning services rise to the challenge.

♦ Residential Quality and Density Case Studies
Case studies demonstrating how the challenge of delivering high density residential development, whilst still ensuring places of quality can be achieved.

♦ Good Practice Notes

We have 7 good practice notes providing detailed practice advice.

♦ Signposts

Provides links to guidance and good practice examples provided by a range of planning stakeholders.

♦ Design Review

Provides authoritative advice for design review panels to help them to operate in a consistent way working to the 10 principles for good design review. A joint collaboration with the Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Landscape Institute (LI).

Delivering Good Practice Guidance

• We draw on the expertise of our Research, Policy and Nations and Regions staff when formulating practice advice, based upon the parameters set out in our Policy and Practice Strategy.
• The knowledge and experiences of the members of our Networks and Associations provide invaluable input.
• The Planning Policy and Practice Committee provide an overview of our practice work.
• Planners in the Workplace supports members throughout their careers and help them develop as planners, managers and as leaders in the workplace.
• We also maintain strong links with Planning Aid in relation to good practice.

Lifelong Learning

Effective planning practice is underpinned by lifelong learning and continuing professional development as required by the RTPI Code of Professional Conduct.

If you have any comments or questions relating to RTPI practice advice email practice@rtpi.org.uk

Planning to Live with Climate Change 

Climate change poses a professional challenge to all planners. The choices we make today around the way we plan, design and build our places and communities will have significant repercussions for the future. 

• Read our Seven Commitments on climate change
• Read about our progress so far
• Climate change Good Practice Compendium