The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its latest Research Strategy, setting out the Institute’s vision and aspirations for 2022-2024. Planning priorities are constantly shifting. While areas such as climate change and affordable housing remain cornerstones of research focus, issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) welcomes the inclusion of the planning system within the a ‘Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill’. Planners can be an asset to the Bill, increasing living standards and home ownership, cultivating pride in place, improving transport infrastructure and population health and strengthening local leadership. Victoria
The Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has released initial blueprints for the long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of RTPI, has put together the following statement in response: “The Royal Town Planning Institute is reservedly optimistic of the Secretary of State’s initial briefing. There is clear recognition
In a new report out today the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has identified Green Growth Boards (GGBs) as a vital approach that can be used to level up and create better communities. GGBs aim to promote cross-boundary working between local authorities and other relevant organisations to deliver better access
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: “As we approach the Comprehensive Spending Review we are glad the government is considering how best to alleviate the housing crisis. “The £1.8bn package to regenerate brownfield land announced today is encouraging and we favour a brownfield-first approach.
Richard Blyth, Head of Policy at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: “This Select Committee report offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of local authorities in reaching net zero. “We are delighted to have given evidence for this report based on our ground breaking research on net zero
The Royal Town Planning Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association have today jointly launched vital new guidance on how the planning system can help communities face the climate crisis. With the climate science clearly warning of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, the new guidance seeks to place
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) this week celebrated the centenary of Welwyn Garden City, one of the world’s first garden cities, with a visit to the Hertfordshire town. On Monday RTPI President, Dr Wei Yang FRTPI, and Chief Executive Victoria Hills MRTPI, toured Welwyn Garden City alongside Tony Skottowe,
Sustainability related projects have dominated the categories for this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Research Excellence. Finalists in the four award categories have been unveiled today, a number of which consider the relationship between sustainability, climate change and town planning. The quality of submissions for the 2021
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we did with her predecessors to continue building a stronger planning system for the future. “The RTPI has worked tirelessly to help shape planning reform to benefit local communities and unlock economic, environmental and societal opportunities. The Housing Minister has been an important ally in achieving those goals. “However, like many others, we are concerned that the high turnover of Ministers in such a fundamentally important role, to deliver the homes the nation so desperately needs, risks undermining the urgency of the situation, and does not tally with the recognition by the Government in its Levelling Up White Paper for a strong planning system. “Now, more than ever, we need consistency in our leadership as we progress through the National Planning Policy Framework consultations and edge closer to the Levelling U and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Asset. We hope that Rachel Maclean MP brings the strong leadership and consistency to the position and as ever, offer our assistance in helping to inform decision-making. “We believe that, by working together with the Housing Minister, we can continue to build a strong planning system for communities and businesses to thrive throughout the country, whilst delivering on the Government’s ambitions for achieving net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its latest Research Strategy, setting out the Institute’s vision and aspirations for 2022-2024. Planning priorities are constantly shifting. While areas such as climate change and affordable housing remain cornerstones of research focus, issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic, both of which have occurred since the launch of the RTPI’s 2019-2021 Work Programme, have shown the challenge of predicting the issues of tomorrow. Progress within the field will require researchers to seize on opportunities to learn internationally. The RTPI will therefore become more global in its outlook, to promote international research where possible, and increase its use of external research, particularly research undertaken by RTPI accredited planning schools. In its latest three page strategy, released today, the RTPI is taking an adaptive approach to its usual detailed 39-page Research Programme to ensure it is always prepared for ever-changing global challenges. Aude Bicquelet-Lock Deputy Head of Policy and Research at the RTPI, said: “As a professional membership body, a charity and a learned institute, we’re in a unique position to understand the research needs of planners in the UK, Ireland and globally. As such, we understand that global issues are not always predictable, and well-planned research does not always reflect current issues. “Since the launch of our last research programme, we’ve seen the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, both of which shifted critical contemporary questions around how to build healthy, resilient Cities. “Our new research strategy aims to take a broader approach to research that will allow us to be flexible, and ready to adapt when unpredictable situations happen. We want to advance knowledge across all sectors of planning to ensure that policymakers and practitioners have the information and expertise to deliver the best outcomes.” Janet Askew, former president of the RTPI and current Chair of the Policy, Practice and Research Committee at the RTPI said: “The research agenda is changing all the time. Three years ago, when we published our last Research Programme, we could not have foreseen the extent of new areas of research presented by migration and humanitarian impacts or the climate crisis. “The RTPI must work with planners internationally to show how we are responsive and flexible in our approach to the urgent needs of society. I very much welcome the initiatives and ideas in our new research strategy, and I am confident that we will develop ways of conducting and disseminating research over the next few years.”
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) welcomes the inclusion of the planning system within the a ‘Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill’. Planners can be an asset to the Bill, increasing living standards and home ownership, cultivating pride in place, improving transport infrastructure and population health and strengthening local leadership. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI said: “We welcome government recognition that a strong planning system will be essential to levelling up. We hope that such a system will help communities better shape the places they live, work and enjoy. “Our members stand ready to support the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to develop a system. But, if we’re going to achieve the overall ambitions of Levelling Up and regeneration, we need to ensure we’re building the right homes in the right places. “It is essential that any reform comes forward as soon as possible to help prevent further delays. It is also key that all local areas have an up to date local plan, are sufficiently resourced, and open to a dialogue with their local communities, including businesses and residents current and future.” The RTPI will continue to work with Government, officials and parliamentarians based on its member’s experiences, its expertise and timely research to help shape these planning reforms. The RTPI will follow up with further analysis on the role of planning within the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as news develops. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has released initial blueprints for the long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of RTPI, has put together the following statement in response: “The Royal Town Planning Institute is reservedly optimistic of the Secretary of State’s initial briefing. There is clear recognition of the built environment’s vital role in addressing economic inequality and shifting power closer to communities. Planning is more than delivering homes, it encompasses transport, health, work, environmental sustainability, and other policy areas across the missions that Michael Gove has mentioned. “The regeneration of 20 towns and cities is a positive first step for the Levelling Up White Paper. Previous regeneration projects have put strategic planning at their heart and shown how the planning system can set the context for development, creating a more sustainable and healthier built environment. The RTPI hope the model established by these schemes can be adopted across England to help communities restore pride in the places they live, work and interact. “Our members will be encouraged by these initial announcements. Planners are passionate about the communities that they live and work in. Our members tell us consistently that being resourced appropriately to engage communities and reflect their needs in development is the most important factor. The right level of support can help to make a planner’s career fulfilling and bring planning professionals to the table early and often can create better economies of scale. “The RTPI will be keeping a close watch in the coming days, but it is our ambition that the planning system will be provided with the adequate recognition and resourcing necessary to benefit housing delivery, better quality development and regional imbalances to create and shape communities that citizens can be proud of.”
In a new report out today the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has identified Green Growth Boards (GGBs) as a vital approach that can be used to level up and create better communities. GGBs aim to promote cross-boundary working between local authorities and other relevant organisations to deliver better access to public transport and jobs, more affordable housing and access to green space. The RTPI initially proposed the roll-out of GGBs in its response to the ‘Planning for the Future’ white paper and today’s report builds on the concept by analysing existing examples of cross-boundary strategic planning in places such as Liverpool, Leicester and Oxford. Interviews were also conducted with members who are working on the projects in these areas. Richard Blyth, Head of Policy at the RTPI, said: “Communities up and down the country have long been concerned about ensuring that transport and social infrastructure is provided alongside – or preferably before – housing development. “Added to this, we now know following Covid-19 that aspects like the quality of high streets, parks and open space on the urban fringe are key elements of how people feel about places. “Our proposal for Green Growth Boards serves to ensure that all the key strategies for a place are brought into a single democratic and professional oversight. “These structures can give local people a greater say over how their community is developed, which can in turn help the government level up the country.” The RTPI found that GGBs can be established and promote an interlinked and cooperative approach to planning to tackle infrastructure, housing shortages and climate change. The research identified three key themes which contribute to a successful GGB: Communicate – Stakeholders should be brought together to communicate their challenges, opportunities and resulting strategies in order to establish an interconnected understanding of a region. For instance, as part of the Leicester Strategic Growth Plan ten organisations came together to agree on a set of four core issues: delivering new housing, supporting the economy, identifying essential infrastructure and protecting the environment and built heritage. Collaborate – Stakeholders should identify and capitalise upon crossovers in their projects, existing strategies and visions and drive cooperation in these areas. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority agreed on a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) which set out a strategic planning framework which guides Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans across six authorities. Innovate – The GGBs should represent their unique region and have the capacity to adapt and evolve as necessary to meet their challenges and opportunities. The Oxfordshire Joint Statutory Spatial Plan, which combines six authorities, will ensure that the needs of the county are aligned and that new housing and infrastructure is joined up as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc develops.
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: “As we approach the Comprehensive Spending Review we are glad the government is considering how best to alleviate the housing crisis. “The £1.8bn package to regenerate brownfield land announced today is encouraging and we favour a brownfield-first approach. It is unclear whether prioritising brownfield will deliver 160,000 new homes but it is important that the homes are supported by adequate infrastructure and facilities as well as delivering on net zero commitments. “We have for some time been calling for a Digital Transformation Fund of £46m to help bring the planning system into the 21st Century so the £65m package announced today is a great start. But funding of the wider planning system is still required. We estimate that £500m over four years can produce an efficient system that is capable of rising to the challenge of England’s housing shortage.”
Richard Blyth, Head of Policy at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: “This Select Committee report offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of local authorities in reaching net zero. “We are delighted to have given evidence for this report based on our ground breaking research on net zero and that the committee has taken this on board. The Select Committee notes our call for a dedicated fund of £67m so that each planning authority can have a full-time planner dedicated to climate change. “The planning system is well-placed to lead the way to net zero as it can be the platform from which low emission, placed-based communities are formed. Our latest report Urban Planning After Covid-19 explains the ways in which planning is crucial to a low carbon future.”
The Royal Town Planning Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association have today jointly launched vital new guidance on how the planning system can help communities face the climate crisis. With the climate science clearly warning of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, the new guidance seeks to place the Government’s ambitions for net zero, as well as building community resilience to severe weather, at the heart of the planning system. The guide, published in the run-up COP 26, makes clear the vital importance of the planning system in designing places which cut carbon through the promotion of energy efficiency, sustainable transport and renewable energy. Long term planning is also central in designing the measures vital to the survival of places affected by severe weather, from flooding to heat stress. Dr Wei Yang, President of the RTPI, said: ‘Every day we are reminded of the serious and direct impact climate change has on our communities. With the UK government and local authorities making a range of climate commitments in recent years, planning professionals are at the forefront to help achieve these targets. ‘We are concerned that the effects of climate change will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable individuals in the country, and we believe the planning system, utilised properly, can prevent this. Also, many of the actions necessary to tackle the climate crisis are also key in creating healthy, ecologically rich, prosperous, and beautiful places for us and for our future generations. ‘Together with the TCPA we have set out a range of ways in which the planning system can take the lead in preparing for and tackling climate change. The time to confront the climate crisis is now. We urge local authorities ensure this is heart of the vision for the future of our communities and make it their priority.’ Nick Raynsford, President of the TCPA said: ‘History tells us that good planning has been vital to our survival when our country has faced the greatest threats. That lesson is all the more powerful today when the future of our country and our planet face a massive threat from climate change. Every decision we take over the coming months and years will be crucial if we are to turn the tide, and good planning will be critical to this.’ The report can be found here: https://www.tcpa.org.uk/planning-for-climate-change
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) this week celebrated the centenary of Welwyn Garden City, one of the world’s first garden cities, with a visit to the Hertfordshire town. On Monday RTPI President, Dr Wei Yang FRTPI, and Chief Executive Victoria Hills MRTPI, toured Welwyn Garden City alongside Tony Skottowe, Chair of the Welwyn Garden City Heritage Trust. Wei and Victoria’s tour included a visit to a new sculpture of Sir Ebenezer Howard who designed the town in 1920. The urban planner, who was the first honorary member of the RTPI, was also responsible Letchworth Garden City and was the founder of the wider garden city movement. After meeting Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Chief Executive Ka Ng, Council Leader Tony Kingsbury and others, Wei and Victoria made their way to 15 miles north to Letchworth Garden City. During their visit to Letchworth Garden City Wei and Victoria toured the town centre and attended a tree planting ceremony with Pam Burn, Chair of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and North Hertfordshire District Council Chair Val Bryant. The day ended with a visit to Sir Ebenezer Howard’s grave where Wei Yang laid flowers in his honour. Wei Yang, RTPI President, said: “It was my great pleasure to visit Welwyn Garden City with our Chief Executive Victoria Hills to officially congratulate the garden city’s centenary celebration on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute. “The garden city movement is the foundation of modern town and country planning. Built after the First World War, Welwyn Garden City provided the garden city model with an opportunity to make a fresh start in relation to the challenges of the time. It is remarkable to see the success of the garden city and its world-renowned status. “I was also delighted to attend the tree planting ceremony in Letchworth Garden City as a way to express our gratitude and appreciation to Sir Ebenezer Howard and the garden city pioneers and show our determination to rekindle the founding spirit to tackle the challenges we face today. “It was my great honour to lay flowers on behalf of the RTPI at Howard’s grave to pay our tribute for his selfless contribution and thank him for inventing the priceless garden city model for the world.” Tony Kingsbury, leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said: “It was an honour to welcome the President and Chief Executive of the RTPI to our world famous town – the place where Ebenezer Howard, founding father of the global garden city movement, lived and died. “We had some interesting discussions about the borough’s exciting future, and how we can attract planners to come and work for the council. We very much look forward to welcoming our guests back again to see how we are progressing on those important plans.”
Sustainability related projects have dominated the categories for this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Research Excellence. Finalists in the four award categories have been unveiled today, a number of which consider the relationship between sustainability, climate change and town planning. The quality of submissions for the 2021 awards were exceptionally high with 49 submissions being received across four categories: the Sir Peter Hall Award for Excellence in Research and Engagement, Early Career Researcher Award, Student Award and the Planning Practitioner Award. In particular, the Student Award category contains several sustainability-focused projects, reflecting the priorities for the next generation of town planners. RTPI President Wei Yang FRTPI said: “Entries for the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2021 were incredibly strong with entrants putting forward fresh and innovative research topics which grabbed the attention of our judges. We would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry. “The awards offer an opportunity to showcase some of the finest research in the sector, from students to practitioners with a wealth of experience. “This year the judges were impressed by the standard of entries which came from a variety of organisations covering a multitude of vital topics. “A number of the research projects which were shortlisted offered unique insights into the relationship between planning and sustainability. We believe this is an area of planning that will grow in future as planners become an integral part of the fight against climate change. “I look forward to announcing the winners of the four categories on behalf of the RTPI on 8 September 2021.” Of the 49 submissions 20 have been shortlisted to compete across the four categories. Also announced at the Research Awards ceremony in September will be the recipients of the Practitioner Research Fund, which offers two grants of £5,000 to enable planning practitioners to carry out research. Submissions for the fund came from universities across the UK and overseas including Hong Kong, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as public and private sector. This year the awards have been sponsored by Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) and Idox Knowledge Exchange. The winning and commended entries will be announced during the online Planning Research Conference on Wednesday, 8 September 2021. You can sign up here. The full list of finalists is available here. See who won last year’s awards here. For the full list of this year’s judges see here.
