Research from the Royal Town Planning Institute shows that more than 95% of planners feel that strategic planning reforms are much needed
The Royal Town Planning Institution (RTPI) has released a study that surveyed construction planners, revealing that the vast majority agree that strategic planning reforms are needed.
In spite of the fact that statutory strategic planning is mostly considered vital to planning efforts, in 2010 it was mostly abolished.
Research shows statutory strategic planning reforms are the right move to make
Further research from the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments also shows that 80% of planners feel that strategic planning should be mandated by the government.
Since 2010, there has been no compulsory strategic planning requirements in England, and some parts go without it entirely. The research shows that 40% of local authority planners did not work in an area with statutory strategic planning, and 25% reported that there was no non-statutory strategic planning activity in their area.
As such, strategic planning reforms are considered by the vast majority to be essential to construction in the UK.
RTPI and associated researchers commented on the study:
Victoria Hills, chief executive of RTPI, said: “It’s really rewarding to witness our members producing such high-quality research at a time when we know the government is attempting to change the system through the NPPF.”
Catriona Riddell of Catriona Riddell Associates said: “The profession has been arguing for a return to an effective approach to strategic planning since 2010 and this research will be vital for the new Government as it moves forward with its proposals for reinventing it.”
Hannah Hickman, associate professor in planning practice, UWE, said: “It has been a privilege to lead research on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute on strategic planning. With over 400 participants, this research provides compelling evidence on the case for a return to a more effective, and mandatory form of statutory strategic planning.”
