Winchester City Council Local Plan Consultation submitted by Winchester City Council scooped the top prize at this year’s prestigious RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence.
Winchester City Council Local Plan Consultation represents a real planning success story, demonstrati
ng excellence in local engagement as well and a real commitment to learning from the exercise and reaching as many stakeholders as possible. This project leads the way for improved short-term as well as future consultation processes with excellent collaborative working, monitoring, review, and dissemination of results. It demonstrates "real world" adaptability and effective use of new tools such as polls, software, and mobile applications. We would highly recommend that you look at their work as an example of best practice for local plan consultations in your own areas.
Gareth Giles FRTPI, Chair of RTPI South East judging panel, said: “Winchester’s Local Plan Consultation project demonstrated excellence in engagement and a willingness to actively learn from, and improve its processes to reach as many people as possible. It is a shining example of innovation in a pandemic context, as well as making use of new technological innovations. Local authorities should look to this as an example of best practice for consultations in their own areas”
Adrian Fox, Strategic Planning Manager, Wincheter City Council, said "The Strategic Planning Team at Winchester City Council were absolutely delighted to win two RTPI awards at the recent South East awards ceremony on the 18th November and the feedback that we received from judges. Much of the ‘Your Place; Your Plan’ consultation programme was conducted during the height of the pandemic, which saw the team developing creative new ways to engage local communities virtually and creating a dedicated new Local Plan website https://www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/ Having our professional organisation recognise all of the hard work that the team put into making the consultation a success is the icing on the cake and it has given the team a real boost."
Take a look at a video from the ceremony:
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Winchester City Council Local Plan Consultation entered by Winchester City Council won the Plan making category and judges were impressed with the local engagement and approach. The consultation is clearly leading the way for future consultations and importantly, maintains the importance of pre-covid consultation activities to ensure engagement with as many user groups as possible.
Summary
The approach towards community engagement on a Local Plan that took place during a national lockdown demonstrates how technology can be used in a positive way to engage
with a range of audiences across different age groups. The Strategic Planning team used a variety of techniques including the opportunity to participate in several interactive events rather than Officers just presenting information. The new Local Plan website is designed to be easy to read, visually interesting and appeal to all especially a younger audience. The outcome of the consultation has been extremely positive and inclusiveJudge's comments:
This was a standout submission, which fully encompassed the judging criteria. Particularly noteworthy was how climate action was embedded and topics tethered to the UN Sustainable Development Goals from the outset.
Overall, the judges considered it to be innovative and collaborative with a successful modification of approach, due to the pandemic.
The judges liked the short and long-term use of polls, user-friendly standalone website and mobile applications, but coupled with guest speakers, advertising on bus stops and careful consideration of the details. This provided a breadth and depth of activities to ensure successful engagement with the known hard to reach user groups.
The judges considered the consultation strategy went "above and beyond" what would be expected.
The judges were impressed with the approach of seeing the consultation from a layperson’s view by engaging external consultants to ensure a lack of jargon and speaking in plain English to get key messages across – always a struggle for us planners!
Partnership working shone through the submission and the judges noted the positive relationships with external consultants, public bodies and across boundaries to deliver the project.
Finally, the reflective nature of the submission was welcomed which highlighted the lessons learnt for the next stages but also in providing transferable ideas for other Local Authorities to benefit from their innovation and experience.
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Earth’s Trust received a commendation for the project Earth Lab - a clear example of achieving sustainability through design, planning, and execution. The judges were impressed with the well-rounded contribution of the Earth Lab to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Summary
Earth Trust is an environmental learning charity championing accessible green spaces for all. They care for diverse green spaces of different sizes; smaller wildlife havens and iconic
landscapes including over 1,200 acres of farmland, wetland, woodland and five community reserves. Their mission is to give people access to and experience of the environment through natural green spaces and together understand what we can do to care for the planet. Earth Lab brings their engagement vision to life; it is a demonstration of how we can inspire people to think about how their decisions could better protect the environment.Judge's comments:
The judges were impressed with the well-rounded contribution of the Earth Lab to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. These ranged from the showcasing of highly sustainable construction techniques, such as Glulam Beams, Rammed Earth walls and a wildflower-planted roof, and the use of a local construction firm, through to the building’s key role in educating a variety of groups about the environment, at a time when this is more important than ever.
The judging panel also noted that this permission had been achieved in a highly protected environment. The site is within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also in close proximity to Castle Hill, a scheduled ancient monument. However, Earth Trust were able to proactively work with South Oxfordshire District Council throughout the process, from project inception to the signing off of conditions, to achieve a development that responds to and respects this highly sensitive landscape.
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The winner of the RTPI South East Planning Team of the Year 2021 is DHA Planning team. The stand-out feature was DHA’s long term approach to staff retention and progression, supporting volunteering, development of in-house training including an in house “university” and development initiatives, plus wider engagement with other planners.
Summary
DHA has grown to be the largest independent multi-disciplinary planning consultancy in the South East, offering town planning & development, transport, design, environmental impact, infrastructure and land advice and support to clients across the UK.
Founded in 1986, DHA has been built on the performance of its expert and highly motivated team, thanks to its investment in staff development and a commitment to delivering high quality support and planning advice.
DHA recognises its role in supporting the economic development of the area it serves and is an active member of those organisations and partnership responsible for driving growth and employment.Judge's comments:
The judges noted that DHA had imaginative multi-disciplinary approaches and a diverse range of projects, and that feedback from clients on some major schemes was very positive about the role DHA had performed going “above and beyond”. The judges felt that a stand-out feature of the submission was DHA’s long term approach to staff retention and progression, supporting volunteering, development of in-house training including an in house “university” and development initiatives, plus wider engagement with other planners. The consultancy has been supporting local authorities to meet the challenge of team shortages. The judges also noted that DHA were supporting the wider profession through running CPD events and legal updates, engaging with the third sector and supporting RTPI activities.
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The RTPI South East Young Planner of the Year 2021 is Zoe Knott from Nexus Planning [pictured left]. The judges were impressed by Zoe’s commitment to driving inclusivity and diversity in the profession. Zoe is an excellent role model for our Young Planners in her ongoing support in the recruitment of new apprentices and giving her time to provide them with ongoing guidance and mentoring.
They wish her every success and feel she has a bright future ahead of her in town planning.Summary
Zoe Knott is an Associate Planner with passion and drive for promoting planning and sustainable placemaking, currently working at Nexus Planning in Reading with a focus on residential development.
She leads on a number of large-scale residential developments, often also leading the EIA. She is an excellent team worker, and cares about the progression of those around her and promoting the profession. Zoe is former chair of Surrey Young Planners and has taken an active role in diversity and inclusion at Nexus Planning as well as recruiting Planning Apprentices.Judge's comments:
Zoe is a passionate and driven young planner who takes an active role in leading large projects and has developed a variety of experience in planning. Her energy and enthusiasm in her work was clear to the judges and she demonstrates a solid understanding of the role of planners in championing the protection and enhancement of the environment through the development process.
The judges were also impressed by Zoe’s commitment to driving inclusivity and diversity in the profession. Zoe is an active proponent for ensuring equal access to opportunities for every planner regardless of their background, particularly those at the start of their careers. This commitment is clear in the active role she has taken in setting up the Surrey Young Planners network, as well as in her ongoing support in the recruitment of new apprentices and the time she takes to provide them with ongoing guidance and mentoring.
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A commendation is awarded to Chloe Duggan from Stantec. The judges were impressed by her ongoing commitment to engaging with and supporting other young planners and those who aspire to join the profession.
Summary
Chloe Duggan is a planning consultant currently working for Stantec UK deliveri
ng a range of strategic, high profile infrastructure projects across the UK. Having started her career in transport planning, Chloe made the move into town planning two years ago with clear enthusiasm and commitment to the sustainable delivery of major projects and the positive engagement of communities as part of the infrastructure planning process . Chloe is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in planning, and planning as a career path for young people, playing an active role in Stantec's multidisciplinary Developing Professionals Group and Women in Planning.Judge's comments:
The judges were impressed by her energy and the proactive way in which she has sought to broaden her knowledge and experience of planning and to develop herself as a professional so early in her career. Chloe also demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the profession with her regular input into the mentoring scheme at her local university. She is clearly a role model for other young planners who wish to develop themselves and to support others in their networks to do the same.
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Chair's Awards theme 2021: Celebrating Innovation
This years’ discretionary Chair's Award recognises planning teams, organisations
or individualswho have demonstrated innovation during the Covid 19 pandemic to deliver tasks/projects to the highest standards and continued to engage with local
communities.This year’s winner of the Chair's Award is Hampshire County Council for theirongoing work to bring forward Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans for the County.
These Plans build on the County’s existing strategies for cycling and walking, to improve existing networks through a targeted approach. In partnership with the charity Sustrans, Hampshire County Council looks to bring forward five Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans across the County for; Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Eastleigh and Southern Test Valley. To initiate a community discussion on its plans, Hampshire County Council hassuccessfully used PlanTech, via the Commonplace consultation platform, to clearly illustrate where new cycling and walking routes are being proposed, as well as where targeted improvements need to be made.
Through the consultation, respondents were able to reply to the proposal via a short traditional survey, as well as placing comments directly on the maps. This meant that comments could be placed on exact points along a route (such as at junctions, crossings, where accidents/hazards occur). Other respondents were able to see and add to these comments, making the consultation feel that a ‘conversation’ is taking place.
By designing the consultation in a simple but highly visual way, it meant that there was a high level of engagement from the community. This demonstrates an excellent example of how social media type techniques can be used effectively in infrastructure planning.
The use of PlanTech has enabled Hampshire County Council to put community at its heart in devising safer cycling and walking routes across its County, supporting wider objectives to create better options for sustainable travel, mitigate the impacts of climate change impacts and encouraging healthier environments.Judge's comment :
The use of PlanTech has enabled Hampshire County Council to put community at its heart in devising safer cycling and walking routes across its County, supporting wider objectives to create better options for sustainable travel, mitigate theimpacts of climate change impacts and encouraging healthier environments.
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Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, entered by Squires Planning Ltd
Southwater have taken neighbourhood planning to heart. A team of interested local people have, with consultant support, prepared a development strategy for their community that not only takes local and national requirements into account but will also deliver meaningful benefits for local people. The community wanted to maintain a single centre settlement, the plan not only achieves this but also allocates land for 450 homes set amongst 8ha of public open space, introduces tree planting requirements, identifies Parish Heritage Assets and Local Green Spaces, and much much more. What's more, it received 2,440 (82.5%) yes votes at referendum.
Winchester City Council Local Plan Consultation entered by Winchester City Council
The approach towards community engagement on a Local Plan that took place during a national lockdown demonstrates how technology can be used in a positive way to engage
with a range of audiences across different age groups. The Strategic Planning team used a variety of techniques including the opportunity to participate in several interactive events rather than Officers just presenting information. The new Local Plan website is designed to be easy to read, visually interesting and appeal to all especially a younger audience. The outcome of the consultation has been extremely positive and inclusiveLocal Plan and CIL Economic Viability Assessment, entered by Aspinall Verdi - Property Regeneration Consultants
AspinallVerdi provided economic viability advice for South Oxfordshire DC on the new Local
Plan. AspinallVerdi provided innovative site promotor engagement appraising a long-list of potential strategic allocations. Land owners and site promotors were challanged to provide transparency of benchmark land value (BLV) and any guaranteed minimum values before site allocations. This led to strategic site promotors providing transparency around BLVs – ‘actual’ minimum land values – stress-testing the consequences of strategic infrastructure cost. This led to the inclusion of Paragraph 014 in the the PPG - enabling other Authorities to gain gain greater confidence about delivery - not just viability. -
Earth Lab submistted by Earth's Trust
Earth Trust is an environmental learning charity championing accessible green spaces for all. They care for diverse green spaces of different sizes; smaller wildlife havens and iconic
landscapes including over 1,200 acres of farmland, wetland, woodland and five community reserves. Their mission is to give people access to and experience of the environment through natural green spaces and together understand what we can do to care for the planet. Earth Lab brings their engagement vision to life; it is a demonstration of how we can inspire people to think about how their decisions could better protect the environment. -
DHA Planning team
DHA has grown to be the largest independent multi-disciplinary planning consultancy in the South East, offering town planning & development, transport, design, environmental impact, infrastructure and land advice and support to clients across the UK.
Founded in 1986, DHA has been built on the performance of its expert and highly motivated team, thanks to its investment in staff development and a commitment to delivering high quality support and planning advice.
DHA recognises its role in supporting the economic development of the area it serves and is an active member of those organisations and partnership responsible for driving growth and employment.Bloomfields
Bloomfields is an independent firm of Chartered Town Planners providing planning and
development consultancy services. In 2013 the practice merged with Lambert & Foster to build upon the reputation of both companies and to expand their level of services. However, the practice maintains its ethos of personally managing each individual case. Bloomfields’ philosophy is to provide honest, clear and sound planning advice with the highest standard of professional integrity. -
Chloe Duggan, Stantec
Chloe Duggan is a planning consultant currently working for Stantec UK deliveri
ng a range of strategic, high profile infrastructure projects across the UK. Having started her career in transport planning, Chloe made the move into town planning two years ago with clear enthusiasm and commitment to the sustainable delivery of major projects and the positive engagement of communities as part of the infrastructure planning process . Chloe is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in planning, and planning as a career path for young people, playing an active role in Stantec's multidisciplinary Developing Professionals Group and Women in Planning.Joshua Mellor Barton Willmore
In his role as Planning Associate at Barton Willmore, Joshua leads on a variety of major
development schemes across the South-East, using his passion for planning as a tool to improve the quality of places in which people live, work and play, the quality of the natural environment, and securing betterment for climate change and health and wellbeing. Joshua strives to meet and exceed the expectations of others, formulating and delivering planning strategies for clients across a variety of sectors, whilst ensuring the next generation of planners are well equipped to continue achieving outstanding results and planning excellence.Zoe Knott, Nexus Planning
Zoe Knott is an Associate Planner with passion and drive for promoting planning and
sustainable placemaking, currently working at Nexus Planning in Reading with a focus on residential development.
She leads on a number of large-scale residential developments, often also leading the EIA. She is an excellent team worker, and cares about the progression of those around her and promoting the profession. Zoe is former chair of Surrey Young Planners and has taken an active role in diversity and inclusion at Nexus Planning as well as recruiting Planning Apprentices.
