Westminster Briefing Conference: Planning after the Localism Bill
Chelgate's deputy chairman, Nick Wood-Dow, is to chair a Westminster Policy and Practice Briefing entitled “Planning after the Localism Bill: Empowering Communities, Incentivising Sustainable Development” on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.Speakers already confirmed include Hugh Roberts, director of Colin Buchanan, and Cllr Nick Cuff, chairman of regeneration at Wandsworth Council.
The Context:
The publication of the Localism Bill has opened the door to a complete transformation of the UK’s planning system. Under the Government’s proposals, local residents will be given the opportunity to shape their area through greater representation in decision making. Furthermore, a new set of incentives will be introduced to encourage ‘sustainable development’, potentially delivered by local communities. However, significant question marks hang over the reforms. Will ‘neighbourhood plans’ create a two-tier planning system which favours certain elements of a local community? How will local authorities provide adequate support to community planning forums in the midst of significant funding cuts? Can councils establish essential cross-boundary planning frameworks without the presence of RSSs? Will the new package of incentives prove effective in encouraging development and benefitting local communities?
The Issues:
Engaging with the panel, key issues to be addressed at this Policy and Practice Briefing include:
- Neighbourhood plans: equal representation for everyone?
- Helping residents: financial and intellectual support for neighbourhood forums
- Local Plans: adapting plans in light of the Localism Bill
- Strategic planning: ensuring collaboration between local authorities
- Coordinating at a national level: the future of the proposed National Planning Policy Framework
- Incentivising development: how will the New Homes Bonus and a reformed CIL work?
- The ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’: how will it work practically?
- Working with businesses: ensuring transparent & effective consultation with neighbourhoods
- Maintaining a balance between participation & representation: holding local members to account
Delegates at this Policy and Practice Briefing will spend the morning gaining a complete understanding of policies aimed at establishing a community-led planning system. The afternoon will present an opportunity to investigate specific case studies and share good practice examples of local authority-community partnerships that have stimulated sustainable development. The case studies will provide practical tips on adapting to the reforms announced in the Localism Bill, which delegates can take back to their organisation.
Who Should Attend?
Delegates will be drawn from a wide range of stakeholders. These will include; planning, housing, development and business officers from local authorities, councillors, private sector planning and construction companies, housing associations, legal professionals, building consultants, housing charities, relevant central government departments & bodies and any practitioner that has an interest in planning.
To view the agenda and registration form click here (opens a new window).
For online booking, click here (opens a new window).
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