Planning Aid England are working on the Advisory Group for a research project lead by Professor Gavin Parker (University of Reading), Professor John Sturzaker (University of Hertfordshire), Dr Matthew Wargent (Cardiff University) and Dr Tessa Lynn (University of Reading).
Funded by the Nuffield Foundation until early 2026, this project is focusing on investigating the take up of community-led planning initiatives across the UK and why some communities are under-represented.
Despite the urgent need for greater social and environmental justice, the connection between democratising planning in this way and delivering just outcomes is unclear. Concerns have been raised about representation, inclusion and accountability, particularly in places where community-led planning has generally been less successful.
The research project itself has five core objectives:
- Explore understandings of social and environmental justice among selected communities across the UK.
- Examine the nature of representation and inclusivity within community-led planning (CLP) spaces and its relationship with outcomes.
- Understand how the design, process, and practice of CLP shapes the forms and outcomes of activity.
- Assess the added value CLP exhibits in relation to social and environmental justice outcomes.
- Disseminate best practice guidance to communities, government, and others involved in shaping and practising CLP.
The latest advisory group meeting was held on 3rd July. It featured a report back on the first, desk-top analysis stage by the research team, ahead of the second stage which will involve initial interviews with community planning groups across the four nations. PAE have been asked to provide further inputs for the second stage in the form of evidence from previous community engagement experience during the Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning programme and advice on authorities and groups to approach.
For more information on the project please click here.