Over 150 guests, including MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, have attended the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Parliamentary Reception, held earlier this week at the Houses of Parliament.
The annual reception, which was held this year for the first time in the impressive setting of the Pavilion Terrace, is an important opportunity for planners, politicians and others interested in the built environment to get together for an evening of discussion and networking.
Above (l-r): RTPI Vice-President Wei Yang FRTPI, Michael Meadows of event sponsor British Land, RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI, the RTPI’s parliamentary patron Sir Bob Neill MP, RTPI Chief Executive Victoria Hills
As well as politicians, guests this year included a range of influential figures from organisations including the Chartered Institute of Building, BAME in Property, the Landscape Institute and the Planning Inspectorate, as well as local authority Heads of Planning.
Special thanks to the RTPI’s parliamentary patron Sir Bob Neill MP, who welcomed guests in a rousing speech, as well as the event’s sponsor British Land, represented at the event by Michael Meadows.
New RTPI President Sue Manns also addressed guests. Stressing the importance of this type of event, she said: “We need to listen to each other, to engage and to work together. We need to be clear about the value and importance of good planning. By working together, we can make a real difference.”
Reflecting on the event, RTPI Chief Executive Victoria Hills said: “President Sue Manns and I were truly honoured to welcome so many peers, MPs, thought leaders and experts from across the built environment sector to discuss the importance of planning, placemaking and collaboration. We look forward to keeping the conversation going in the coming months.”
