So… exactly what is planning?

What is planning? The dreaded first topic… a classic open ended question which sounds simplistic at first, but can take an eternity to explain.

Now I stress that this is visual-led blog for everyone interested in the built and natural environment which make up the Shapes + Place we live in. So apologies for the (what some may find) obvious first topic. However planning is such a fundamental part of how our urban and rural landscape is formed, and therefore a necessary starting place.

As this is a blog for everyone (planning background or not), let’s level the playing field and start with the Collins English Dictionary definition of planning. And that is:

“The process of deciding in detail how to do something before you actually start to do it.”

And that makes sense right? Before you start constructing a building there should be some sort of process to follow?

Now I promise you I’m not going to go down the well-trodden path about the detailed history of planning in England (I don’t think my planning colleagues would think much of it either). I should also state that yes, planning dates back as far as the third millennium BC and isn’t some completely new 20^th Century construct. But I want to keep it short, so here is a quick account of how the English planning system has come to be.

(To be read in a semi academic voice… planners shut your eyes)

Prior to an act of parliament in 1947, the planning system in England was widely seen as weak and fragmented. Many people were living in poor housing conditions and the Government had limited control over urban sprawl. The 1947 Act sought to address this imbalance, and bring with it greater levels of regulation over development acting in the public interest. It brought with it Government control over land use within England, allowing for the large-scale post war rebuilding and devolved power to deny new development. A subsequent act in 1990 introduced further changes, principally dividing the system into forward planning and development control. It is these two main acts which set out the principle structure of our current planning system.

Short history chat – DONE!

So, we can now see there is a legislative framework which seeks to put a control on development (supported by further legislation I must add), but it still doesn’t tell us what planning is. Thankfully there is a handy little guide available on the UK Governments website called a ‘Plain English Guide to the Planning System’ which provides a useful explanation. It states:

“Planning ensures that the right development happens in the right place at the right time, benefitting communities and the economy.

It plays a critical role in identifying what development is needed and where, what areas need to be protected or enhanced and in assessing whether proposed development is suitable.”

And to be fair to them that is a pretty neat definition. So it says the English planning system checks whether what we want to build is right? Does it benefit the community and the economy? Is this development needed and does it compromise protected areas? All very important issues, and reasons why we should care about planning.

One key omission from this statement is that is does not mention environmental goals, which is rather surprising. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF – the current national framework which sets out the strategic policy principles and objectives) does refer to environmental objectives in its golden thread of ‘Sustainable Development’. So it seems odd that environmental objectives are not included within the main definition in the Governments guide. Sounds like a topic that we will be coming back round to at a later date…

But does the definition feel tangible to the everyday person?

Perhaps not, because if it did then maybe more people would take part in planning. There are two opportunities that we as citizens in England can get involved in planning; ensuring accountability and oversight. One is at the creation of a local plan and the other at the consultation and final consent of a planning application. I’m sure we are all aware of the latter, for example when my neighbour tried to pursue a monstrosity of an extension (a very real example). However the former is less well known.

The local plan making stage sets out the vision and strategic policies of our local authorities, putting forward the facts (such as flooding and population growth) alongside the aspirations (such as environmental goals, community focus and economic growth). And it’s this process which we need to all take ownership of and engage in more. The local plan reflects issues of local importance, aligning with both the National policy set out in the NPPF but also allowing for local interpretation. This was further localised by a 2011 act of parliament which introduced neighbourhood development plans, written and produced by a neighbourhood forums or parish councils which sets out the ultra-local vision (as I like to think of it) for your community.

Now I’m not going to start discussing the rights and wrongs of this localised system. Far better qualified people could do that. However what I want demonstrate is that this is a system in which we can all contribute to, so let’s do it.

I fundamentally believe we all have a shared responsibility to influence how our built and natural environment should take shape, both from at a strategic local policy level and in our day to day actions. This system, despite its flaws, is best means we have as a society to influence that process. The next time your local authority starts a review of the local plan, think about how it will impact your community. Think about contacting your local councillor of your ambitions and concerns, and make productive suggestions which represent the vision you have for your place.

So as I take you on a visual tour of the great and good developments in this country (and trust me we will do both) think about how we as individuals can better influence the shape it takes.