The RTPI Centenary Runcorn New Town at 50 Funding Coastal

PLANNET
THE RTPI NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH WEST REGION
The RTPI Centenary
Runcorn New Town at 50
Funding Coastal Access
Infrastructure Planning
February 2014
Greetings from the Chair
Like a long awaited special birthday party, the RTPI
Centenary has arrived. This also brings with it my long
awaiting Chairship and I am genuinely thrilled to be
involved and have the opportunity to influence the work of
the Institute. Particularly I look forward to continue and
expand upon the excellent work of Chairs before me (with
particular thanks to our outgoing chair, Lindsay Whitley),
ensuring that the North West Region has a great year and
helps to use the Centenary to promote our profession and
be proud of our achievements. I am very fortunate to be
supported by an excellent Committee, Board, and of course
Bev Watson, and together we will be doing our best to
make this an unforgettable year for all the right reasons.
Meet the new Boss
This year we are proposing a social event to which all RTPI NW Members are invited, to add to our ever
growing list. This will follow the AGM, now moved to a September afternoon in the hope of benefitting
from the Rarely Spotted British Summer. I and the Committee would love to see some new faces and to
provide an opportunity to talk, discuss and learn from each other. I imagine a drink may also be involved if
that makes it any more appealing.
Our CPD programme each year seeks to address the big issues in the profession and those facing many
NW Authorities and Practices, as well as the usual legal and other updates. I am writing this on the train
back from London considering HS2 – not that it will make this journey any more bearable in the
foreseeable future (and possibly not really in my working life), but major infrastructure projects and how
they are delivered will no doubt be a key issue this year especially with a General Election on the horizon.
The continuing importance for LPAs to achieve firstly sound, and secondly adopted, Local Plans and the
associated housing supply confirmations, balanced with development pressure and the demonstration of
sustainable development, in amongst Neighbourhood Plans, will no doubt continue amid an oft-changing
policy framework. I wonder what promises the key Parties will be making.
This year I hope to see the Region celebrate the profession. An easy way to achieve this is to enter this
year’s national and regional awards. We welcome all entries – there is plenty to be proud of and some
amazing projects that are enabled and delivered through the planning system. We are working with future
planners as well with the Moss Madden award and more generally with the Universities. Our Young
Planners continue to be as active as ever – I have to sneak in these days but do get involved if you can.
More promotional and celebratory events that we are working on will be advertised during the year and I
hope you will get involved. The dinner is, however, all booked and a fine opportunity to celebrate – book
(and sponsor!) early to avoid disappointment.
I hope to speak with as many Members as possible through my year but if you have any thoughts you can
always get in touch through Bev, our Co-ordinator. I welcome wide involvement – we are only as good as
our Membership.
Back to the train journey, now past Crewe, almost there and possibly even on time. That’s something to
celebrate. I am looking forward to this year and hope you join in the journey.
Marc Watterson
(New RTPI NW Chair for 2014)
PLANNET – February 2014
There is plenty afoot including our much envied CPD
programme, football, spa, golf, dinner, and the President’s
visit. In talking to as many Town Planners as I am able in
my work and role within the RTPI, trying to engage with a
wider audience amongst the profession has been a key
message.
The NET’ bit
Welcome to the first PLANNET of 2014, the RTPI’s Centenary
Year. In March 1914, four months before the start of the First
World War, Thomas Adams was elected as the first RTPI
president (although the two events were not necessarily related!)
beginning the Institute’s role as the primary representative body
for UK planners.
Over the course of the year the North West Region will be
undertaking a series of events, lectures, dinners and receptions
and these are set out in pages three and four of this edition.
Also enjoying an anniversary year is the town of Runcorn.
Runcorn was designated a New Town on 10th April 1964, and an
article on page 6 looks at how Runcorn has grown and developed
since that day.
RTPI NW
Young
Planners:
Greetings from
the Chair
Happy New Year to all NWYP
members! I hope that your
return to work after the festive
season has not been too much
of a shock to the system.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in PLANNET are the view of
the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor,
publishers, or the RTPI.
Jo Samuels
Chair of the NWYP Committee
[email protected]
Enjoy!
Chris Wilson
Registered Charity Number 262865
Registered address RTPI, 41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL
Dates for your diary….
PLANNET Copy and Issue (publication) dates for 2014 (all
Fridays)
We hope you can contribute, we are looking for articles, opinion
pieces, news articles, best practice examples, bio pics, tweets,
blogs, etc. that links to planning and regeneration. The (flexible)
word limit is 1,500 words and at least one image. All reasonable
(and some unreasonable) opinions are welcome!
Copy
Issue
21st March
11th April
9th May
30th May
20th June
11th July
8th August
29th August
17th October
7th November
Watch out for further
details on upcoming
events:
Fracking Workshop
Liverpool Strategic
Investment Talk
Neighbourhood Planning
Talk.
Here at the NWYP committee
we have a plethora of events
up our sleeves but if there is an
event you would particularly
like to see please contact
[email protected].
PLANNET – February 2014
This newsletter has been brought to you courtesy of the RTPI
NW. Any comments or articles should be directed to:
a. PLANNET c/o 91 Cornwall Avenue, Buckshaw Village,
Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 7BG
t. 07796 866422
e. [email protected]
Let me first introduce myself as
the new chair of the NWYP
committee. Thank you to Katie
for doing a superb job over the
past two years. Thank you also
to all those who applied to join
the committee and a very
warm welcome to those
successful candidates who are
already busily preparing for the
year ahead. We are looking
forward to bringing you a wide
range of enjoyable and thought
provoking events for 2014, the
RTPI's centenary year! (more
on that to follow as the year
progresses).
It is also our intention to publish six editions of PLANNET in 2014,
instead of our usual four. The move away from quarterly format
will hopefully allow us to produce a more streamlined publication
that delivers more up to date news, articles, and debate. We hope
that everybody will be able to contribute to the extra PLANNET
editions of 2014, which will be issued in April and July. A full list of
copy and issue dates is provided below.
National
Centenary
Projects
Our Centenary in 2014 will provide a
tremendous opportunity to raise the profile of
planning, the Institute and its membership and
the profession as a whole. It gives us a unique
chance to look forward to the future of
planning whilst at the same time celebrating
our rich history and past experience.
Planning Horizons
The five Planning Horizons projects are:
• Future proofing society (climate change and
demographic pressures)
• Planning for economic growth and enterprise
• Urbanisation and health
• Spatial thinking in policy
• Governance
RTPI Ambassadors
initiative
/
Future
Planners
The RTPI Ambassador’s will go into our schools to
present the Future Planners initiative that aims to
raise awareness of and foster interest in planning
with school students aged 11-18.
Resources will be provided to help support the
ambassadors and the project will build on existing
activity that promotes a wider understanding of
planning. This will include similar work undertaken in
different Regions and Nations, with some activity
falling under the aegis of Planning Aid.
For more information on how to become an RTPI
Ambassador and the Future Planners initiative
contact
Dipanwita
Chatterjee
([email protected]).
Centenary edition of the Journal of Planning
Theory and Practice
The Centenary Edition of Planning Theory and
Practice will reflect upon theoretical and practical
achievements in the planning discipline during the
last century, and look to breakthroughs in the future.
The issue will be published in March 2014 and will
feature an editorial by Trudi Elliott and an 'Interface'
which will draw on the history of the RTPI to consider
the 'big questions' facing the planning profession in
History projects
Audio history project
Past President Martin Willey has begun to interview
planners from across the decades. The first four
recordings have been made and make fascinating
listening about planning in the 1940s, 1950s and
1960s. They are available on the RTPI web site . For
information on the Audio history project contact Tino
Hernandez ([email protected]) or on 0207
929 9486
Centenary book project
For information on the centenary book project contact
Colin Bendall ([email protected]) or on 0207
929 8172
Visual timeline project
New software has been bought to enable a timeline
to form a part of the RTPI's web site. The timeline will
feature historical information and photographs and
copies of significant documents. Past President Cliff
Hague is acting as an advisor on the project. For
information on the visual timeline project contact
[email protected].
'New towns come of age' project
The new town come of age project will involve the
President or other RTPI dignitary, visiting and
presenting a certificate to most of the New Towns
and some comparable new settlements in each RTPI
membership region and nation during 2014. What the
community itself builds around the visit is entirely up
to them, but each will be invited - along with all other
new towns- to share their idea of the 5 planning
factors which have most contributed to the sustained
success of their planned community. These factors
will then be collated to provide the beginnings of an
online learning resource for future new settlements.
As a way of looking forward, young people will also
be invited to think about what they most like about
their town as a basis for thinking about priorities.
Celebrations
Centenary Concert
The RTPI will be holding a Centenary Concert at
Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 8th March at 7:30pm.
In celebration of our centenary the Exeter Symphony
Orchestra and the Exeter Philharmoic Choir will be
performing Beethoven's 9th Symphony 'The Choral'.
You
can
book
your
ticket
at
http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/exetercathedral/ or for
more information please contact Ellie Green
([email protected]) on 0207 929 9457.
PLANNET – February 2014
The Planning Horizon’s Project looks to the future of
planning, but also recognises the achievements of
the past. Five Centenary 'Planning Horizons' papers,
will be published during 2014, these will take a step
back from immediate policy concerns and take a long
term as well as global view of planning and the
contribution it can make to some of the major
challenges we face in the 21st Century.
the 21stcentury.
RTPI NW
Centenary
Projects
RTPI North West will be celebrating the Institutes
Centenary Year by organising a series of special
events and activities for this year. Here is a quick
overview of what will be going on:
Centenary Dinner
A special Centenary Dinner will be held on Friday 3
October 2014 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
Open to all members.
For more information about tickets of sponsorship
opportunities, please speak to Bev Watson
([email protected]).
This is the first ever RTPI NW Student Competition, it
is intended to provide a valuable experience for ALevel Geography students and a real taste of what it
is like to work as a town planner.
The competition question not only provides students
with an opportunity for students to think about
planning, but it also can be used as a valuable
teaching aid with elements of planning relating to
population change and structures; resource
consumption; health and well-being; development
and sustainability.
This competition is kindly sponsored by NLP.
Centenary Presidents Reception
This invitation only event offers the opportunity for
public sector and third sector members to network
with each other and to chat with the RTPI President.
This event is kindly hosted by BDP.
Members Centenary Reception
All members will be invited to this special reception
following the AGM on Friday 26 September 2014.
Why not save the date in your diary now.
Centenary 5-a-side
This annual event is now firmly part of the footballing
calendar. Start thinking of your centenary related
team name now!
Centenary Spa Day
The Centenary Spa Day provides the opportunity to
network whilst relaxing.
This Spa Day is kindly sponsored by NJL.
Planning Debates
The RTPI North West will hold three special
Centenary Debates to celebrate planning.
• Heritage of the Future - 1 May at County Hall,
Preston
• Urban Design: Past, Present and Future (date and
venue tbc)
• Media and Planning - 18 September at MediaCity
Centenary Golf Day
This Centenary Golf Day will include 18 holes of golf
and a 3 course meal on Thursday 5 June 2014 at
Hesketh Golf Club .
This is a fabulous opportunity to network and enjoy a
game of golf with colleagues and friends. Further
details to follow shortly.
Further details will be available soon.
100km Centenary Bike Ride (plus a shorter
distance for the less keen cyclist!)
A Centenary Bike Ride is currently being organised
for members and their friends, families and
colleagues.
The bike ride will take place on Saturday 14 June
2014 from Booths Park, Knutsford. Further details
available soon.
This event is kindly sponsored by Barton Willmore
and hosted by Bruntwood.
This event is kindly sponsored by Steven Abbott
Associates LLP.
Young Planners Centenary Celebrations
The RTPI NW Young Planners invite you to enjoy an
evening of drinks, networking and engaging debate
with other young professionals to celebrate the
Centenary of the RTPI.
Other Young Planners events that will be taking
place throughout the year include: a Treasure Hunt,
summer Picnic, Stockport Regeneration Walk, Urban
Design Walking Tour and a Northern Hub Talk.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for any of the above events,
please contact Bev Watson ([email protected])
PLANNET – February 2014
The Champagne reception is kindly sponsored by
Kings Chambers, and Dinner is kindly sponsored by
IBI Taylor Young.
Schools Competition
Tomorrow's City: How would you plan a new City for
the next 100 years?
Reflections on Runcorn New Town at 50
Runcorn was designated a New Town on 10th April
1964, its purpose was to provide housing and
employment for people from Liverpool and North
Merseyside. At the time, the town of Runcorn already
existed and had a population of 28,500 but the new
town was intended to add another 60,000-65,000
people to this existing population by the year 2000
and allowing for a natural increase to 100,000.
•
•
Runcorn was chosen as the appropriate area for the
New Town because of its locational advantages
around road and rail routes, the canal network, the
good level sites and successful industrial
development and opportunities for more.
•
•
And what did the Canadian documentary makers
see? They captured a confident town in the making,
being delivered to the principles of a Masterplan. This
was largely the vision of a single man, Architect and
Town Planner, Arthur Ling. Alongside Professor Ling,
a cast of Town Planners and Social Development
Workers from Runcorn Development Corporation,
explain with conviction, the theory of how the town
works. Many of the characteristics of RNT are still
evident today:
It was a town for the motor age (responding to the
steady rise of car ownership since the 1950s), but
designed with pedestrian and non-car owner in mind.
The dedicated Busway was designed to a figure of 8
principle with the RNT Centre ‘The Shopping City’ at
the confluence of the two loops. An underlying
principle for the Masterplan was that the majority of
people would live within 500 yards (458 metres) or a
5 minute walk of a bus stop on this dedicated
Busway. ‘Liveability’ (the magical fairy dust of placemaking) defined many of the underlying principles of
the Masterplan.
The documentary also includes interviews with a
number of residents of this brave new world. Initially
approximately 30,000 people migrated to RNT
(largely from the post-war ‘slum’ clearance within
Liverpool). They were enthusiastic converts to this
new way of living, citing spacious homes and safe
places for their kids to play and health benefits.
Interestingly, a strong sense of community was felt
amongst those interviewed, supported by extensive
networks of social facilities such as community
centres and youth clubs.
PLANNET – February 2014
In 1974, the Canadian Film Board came to Runcorn.
What they came to observe and document was the
concrete and asphalt shoots of a New Town
emerging from the greenfields of North Cheshire. At
the time, Runcorn New Town (RNT) was still in the
flush of youth, it had been 10 years since the powers
of the 1946 New Town Act were invoked, in
‘Designation Order 196’, to designate an area of
7,750 acres around the existing small town of
Runcorn as a site for major growth.
•
Unique housing and estate designs;
Segregated paths for pedestrians, a dedicated
Rapid Transit Network(known locally as the
Busway) connecting home, factory and town
centre and an expressway network for the motor
age.
Extensive area of green space ‘The Town Park’,
complemented
by
extensive
landscaping
throughout the New Town;
Creation of a New Town Centre;
Large dedicated ‘planned’ industrial areas.
Reflections on Runcorn New Town at 50 continued . .
.
The 1974 documentary came to light through the
publication of a Facebook clip. The internet, a
technological and social advancement that not even
the new town movement visionaries could have
foreseen. The Masterplan, as realised, has been
weathered by 50 years of social and economic
change, and like any Town, Runcorn both (both its
‘new’ and ‘old’ towns) has to change and adapt.
Today, over 45,000 residents currently live within
RNT areas, and its heritage continues to shape and
influence the policies and strategies of Halton
Borough Council. Everything from planning and
regeneration; managing and maintaining unique
infrastructure; and dealing with the ageing population
spike as first generation residents of the New Town
move into retirement age.
Indeed the Halton Core Strategy identifies that East
Runcorn is a major focus for growth, contributing
3,000 new homes (28%) and 49 hectares of new
employment land (25%) by 2028.
In April and May 2014, a series of community
screenings of the 1974 New Town documentary are
planned in Runcorn (alongside a programme of
events) to mark the 50th anniversary of RNT. You are
welcome to come along and marvel at the ideas of
the planners and architects of that time and how they
foresaw Runcorn to look in the future.
Nathan Renison
Town Planner and Regeneration Officer, Halton
Borough Council
The views and opinions expressed in this article are
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the
views and opinion of Halton Borough Council.
Images taken from the Runcorn New Town Plan and the New Town Plan
Amendments 1& 2
PLANNET – February 2014
Many of the effects of these and other aspects of the
New Town are felt today. Over the years the Council
has addressed some of the New Town legacy it has
inherited, such as through extensive housing renewal
and regeneration programmes in two former new
town neighbourhoods - Southgate (now called
Hallwood Park) and Castlefields. At Sandymoor the
major land owner remains the Homes and
Communities Agency, as the successor organisation
to Commission for New Towns. The Council
continues to plan and facilitate the expansion of
Runcorn to the original New Town Masterplan.
Being a Planning Aid Volunteer
Why I became a Volunteer
When I was offered early retirement from my job as
head of planning at Halton Borough Council in early
2010 I did not believe it should be the end of my
planning career. However, there was little prospect of
re-employment in either the private of public sector
during the depths of the recession. I decided instead
to continue to work in planning but as a volunteer
with Planning Aid. This was the ideal compromise. I
could still enjoy the freedom of retirement, but with an
on-going involvement in planning.
committee where the Tesco planning application and,
for them, the fate of Kirkby Town Centre, was to be
decided. Well unlike the bible story Goliath won the
contest and permission was granted. We retired,
defeated, to a local café, and they thanked me for all
my help. That was a good feeling.
Now almost four years later I can look back on a
fascinating experience as a Planning Aid volunteer
that has been just as interesting and challenging than
being in paid employment. I have ridden the waves of
change brought about by the government’s Localism
Act which brought in neighbourhood planning and the
uncertainties about Planning Aid’s future caused by
the government’s delays to its funding.
I met with them in the local pub and advised them on
how to use the local authority’s own planning policies
to build a case against the development.
I have met with the Kirkby Residents Action Group
who fought tenaciously to persuade Knowsley
Borough Council to refuse permission for a large new
Tesco store that threatened to overwhelm the small
shops of Kirkby Town Centre.
I first met with an energetic local activist who showed
me into the front room of his small family house in
Kirkby where the floor and desk were almost covered
in piles of planning documents. He desperately
wanted me to help him understand all these
documents and seemed so grateful when I agreed.
I walked with him around shops at Kirkby Town
Centre, where he seemed to know everybody, and
he introduced me to local shopkeepers. We stood in
the local butcher’s shop whilst I listened to the
owner’s fears about how the proposed Tesco store
would suck away his trade and livelihood. They
seemed to believe I could help them save the town
centre somehow, and I began to feel the weight of
responsibility, although I realised this was a David
and Goliath contest. Nevertheless I returned home to
study the documents and plot a way forward to try to
help them.
I went to visit other members of the Action Group,
gathered together in the local vicarage, drinking tea. I
advised them how to frame their objections to the
Tesco store. Several meetings later I sat with them
again, shoulder to shoulder at the planning
Just like me, they too were all volunteers, taking time
out to meet with strangers and neighbours in a
common cause. As I sat there with them, I began to
realise that these people are part of a vast
community of volunteers, out there in society,
gathering in small groups in vicarages, cafés, pubs
and front rooms of houses, discussing planning
issues, They are trying to understand it, wondering
how they can fight against a development that they
see as threatening their community, yet not really
understanding, not knowing what to do or and how to
direct their frustration, anger and energy. This, of
course, is where Planning Aid volunteers can make a
huge difference, by clearing their fog of
incomprehension and pointing the way forward.
I followed the case of the Eccles incinerator proposal.
At first the local authority refused the application; the
residents were jubilant. Then the applicant appealed
and the residents regrouped to fight again. Finally,
following a public inquiry, the appeal was rejected.
The threat from the ‘alien’ development was over. I
like to think that Planning Aid played a small but
important part in this story.
Becoming a Teacher and Translator
I have discovered that another role of the Planning
Aid volunteer is that of a teacher. The introduction of
neighbourhood planning has given Planning Aid a
new purpose along with funding to help communities
prepare neighbourhood plans. But first, communities
had to learn what neighbourhood planning was all
about and to decide whether it was appropriate for
them and, if so, whether they were ready and fit to
proceed.
In March 2012, Planning Aid volunteers from England
gathered in Derby to attend a two-day course on how
to deliver a workshop called ‘Are you fit for
neighbourhood planning?’ Suitably equipped, the
Planning Aid volunteers in the North West embarked
on a series of workshops, organised very
professionally by our Planning Aid coordinators.
PLANNET – February 2014
Feeling like a Secret Agent
Being a Planning Aid volunteer, you have to adopt a
variety of roles. On occasions you are like a secret
agent, dropped behind the battle lines to meet with
the local ‘resistance’ who are desperately fighting an
alien development that they believe will damage their
local community.
My next mission was to Eccles, where the residents
group were fighting a proposal to build an industrial
waste treatment and incinerator on a vacant factory
site close to their community.
Being a Planning Aid Volunteer continued . . .
This was another interesting and revealing insight
into the greater world of volunteers from the
community, who gathered to learn about what
neighbourhood planning could do for their
communities.
Neighbourhood Plans
Now that the preparation of neighbourhood plans is
well underway, and gathering momentum in the
North West, Planning Aid volunteers are increasingly
being called upon to assist neighbourhood forums,
and parish and town councils in their plan making
activities.
My experience so far has been working with the
Friends of Fishwick and St. Matthews, a
neighbourhood forum set up to prepare a
neighbourhood plan for Inner East Preston. This is an
interesting area with a strong community spirit. The
forum has got to the stage of preparing the draft plan
for consultation. My role has been to help decide
what local issues are appropriate for being resolved
through planning policies and how these can be
effectively written for development control.
Unfortunately many of the solutions to regeneration
issues such as lack of private investment, underused
and derelict land, and empty shops require more than
a few planning policies. That is why neighbourhood
Lessons learned
Looking back at my experience as a Planning Aid
volunteer I have learned new skills, developed new
roles, met new people, and visited new places that I
would never have done back in my previous
employed life.
I have discovered that as a volunteer I am part of a
vast collection of all types of people of different
backgrounds, who are all volunteers like me, but who
are struggling to understand and engage with the
ever-changing planning system. I am convinced that
Planning Aid volunteers have a growing importance
in engaging and joining with this deep seated part of
society in order to try and understand their fears and
ambitions and to do what we can to help them
understand and use the planning system to benefit
their lives, their environment and their communities.
Andrew Pannell
Planning Aid Volunteer
If you’ve been inspired by Andrew's story and
would like to become an active Planning Aid
volunteer then get in touch with our local Planning
Aid Advisor Carol Latham on
[email protected]
Or if you feel that you could provide support to
Carol other active volunteers in the region and
help shape the future of Planning Aid in the North
West then how about joining the Planning Aid
Task Group by contacting the Chair, Christine Ellis
on [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sad News
Obituary: Kenneth Evans
Kenneth Evans, one of the early North West stalwarts of planning and architecture passed away in
early January. He was 88. Kenneth was best known as a pioneer of planning education who (along
with Hugh Roper) founded the five year planning course at Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool John
Moores University) in the late 1960s. Although he retired in 1990, there will be many qualified planners
(both on Merseyside and further afield) who remember being taught by him and who may have been
visited on office practice over a number of occasions. The funeral was held on 27th January.
He is survived by his wife Lois Evans.
PLANNET – February 2014
I found myself in surprising and interesting situations,
acting as a teacher, delivering presentations and
facilitating workshops all over the Northwest. On
each occasion, I had to develop another role; that of
a translator. The Planning Aid volunteer has to learn
how to translate planning jargon into everyday plain
English. You also have to translate people’s
problems and issues concerning development and
threats to their community where possible into
planning solutions. You have to distinguish between
problems that have a possible solution through
planning legislation and practice, and those that
require alternative approaches. This is where the
depth of a Planning Aid volunteer’s professional
experience is called upon.
plans for deprived areas need to have more
comprehensive policies aimed at wider regeneration
initiatives. The planning policies to be tested in
examination may be only part of a wider range of
initiatives. The Inner East Preston plan is to have a
second part that will include all the non-planning
policies and proposals. This poses the question,
‘what role should Planning Aid volunteers have in
advising on broader regeneration solutions?’
RTPI NW Annual General Meeting 2013
The AGM this year was held on Friday 29th
November, with thanks to The Co-operative Group
for hosting the event at their offices at 1 Angel
Square.
Our former Chair, Lindsay Whitley commenced
proceedings with the financial report, and a review of
her year in Office.
Lindsay’s three priorities as set at the AGM last year
were aligned to both the corporate strategy and a key
message from the President to deliver ‘positive
planning’.
The second was the future of the profession. The
Young Planners are a very active group who
continue to excel in delivering a creative and
extensive programme of events and activities that
has seen attendance numbers increase. These serve
the student / more recently qualified (as well as the
younger) members of the region.
Looking to encourage younger minds to think about
the built environment, we launched an ambitious
Schools Competition this year and we’re very much
looking forward to finding out the thoughts of the
region’s young people as to what a future city should
look like. This project also complements the RTPI
Ambassador programme, which seeks to engage
with school children through visits and interactive
activity; Ambassadors are currently being sought and
further information can be found on the web or
please contact us at the branch.
We have also taken a more strategic approach in
supporting education, providing support at careers
fairs, including the Construction Industry Training
Board event, as well as school organised events.
President’s Reception
We, of course, continued with our other events such
as the Football tournament, Golf Day, Spa Day and
Annual Dinner. The dinner continues to grow and
was a roaring success reaching capacity at 260
guests. Our regional awards were this year, as ever,
of a great standard. They continue to be a great way
of gaining regional recognition for Members’ efforts.
We also have the Moss Madden Student award to
recognise the regions high academic achievers.
Despite on-going training budgets cuts we have had
just short of 800 people attend the 15 CPD events on
2013, which is fantastic, and we have also been
enabled by sponsorship to offer several additional
free events.
The production of “PLANNET” also offers a platform
to promote your activities and in its electronic form
offers a more adaptable scope. It continues to be a
useful and relevant publication but we are always
dependent upon the wider membership providing us
material which we’d encourage you all to do. Finally
the social media presence has been grown and you
The final priority was Planning Aid, long established
in the region, and now with formal links to the RAC
through the Task Group. We continue to support their
activities in what has been an incredibly challenging
time for the service. We continue to benefit from the
inputs of two regionally based Planning Aid England
advisors as well the Task Group. All involved have
worked hard this year to continue to deliver a service
centred around neighbourhood planning, but also in
supporting the volunteers, without whom, the service
could not operate. Activities have included supporting
volunteers through social and training events;
supporting Local Authorities through awareness
raising on neighbourhood planning and supporting
our advisors in delivering the DCLG Supporting
Communities in Neighbourhood Planning Contract.
Lindsay thanked the Regional Activities Committee
for their energy over the past year and members who
have supported the region in whatever capacity. It
was reported that a few RAC members were
stepping down this year from Committee and Lindsay
thanked them for their contribution. These include
Jane Aspinall who has now stepped down having
served as regional secretary for a number of years.
Lindsay also thanked our Sponsors over the year.
Lindsay’s Speech
PLANNET – February 2014
The first was celebration & promotion of the
profession. In acknowledging the challenges faced
by the public sector we hosted a President’s
reception inviting the public sector Heads of Service
from across the region. This will become an annual
event for forthcoming years, providing both a social
occasion but also importantly a regional forum for
knowledge exchange.
can now follow the RTPI NW on twitter.
RTPI NW AGM 2013 continued . . .
It then turned to myself to take on the Chairship and
confirm the rest of the Board and the Committee for
the coming year. I outlined my priorities as:
Education – Supporting schools, universities,
students and pupils in their educational and careers
programmes. The ambassadors programme is a key
priority for our President Cath Ranson for 2014 and
we will be embracing this in the NW as well. We
already have excellent links with both Manchester
and Liverpool planning schools and RTPI members
from both sit on the RAC. We also have a continuing
programme of members going into schools in the
region and helping teach a geography lesson – also
promoting our schools competition for next year – an
essay on cities of the future.
Celebrating the Centenary – 100 years of the RTPI
is to be celebrated, a big achievement. There is
plenty going on this year – we are planning a debate
series across the region, a centenary bike ride, the
annual dinner and the President’s reception. I also
hope to involve the general membership better, and
the first President’s Reception and the open invitation
for the presidential visit to the airport is a fantastic
start (however, how I will match a guided tour of
Concorde is beyond me!).
I know that the Young
Planners also have a packed programme for 2014
and again, I would urge you to get involved and
attend as appropriate.
It was a pleasure to be able to confirm this year’s
winners of the RTPI NW Regional Awards for
Planning Achievement (sponsored by WYG) and the
Moss Madden Awards (sponsored by Turley
Associates) and these were as:
Award for Best Planning Document - The Upper
Eden
Neighbourhood
Plan,
Submitted
by
Development Planning Solutions Limited
Award for Positive Strategic Planning - Minerals &
Waste Plan, Submitted by AGMA
Commendation for its contribution towards
positive community engagement – Ketso,
Submitted by Ketso / Joanne Tippet
Award for Conservation (also sponsorped by the
IHBC) - Chester City Walls, Portico Project,
Submitted by Donald Insall Associates
Special Award for their consistent and long term
positive approach to the planning process –
Booths, Submitted by Robert Pinkus and Co, Donald
Clark, Steven Abbott Associates LLP, Turner Lowe,
Napthens, Farrell & Clark, Damson Design, Wilson
Mason, Helen Baldwin, Leach Rhodes Walker
Winner of the Sustainable Communities and
Regeneration Category - Oldham Council,
Submitted by Oldham Council
Overall Winner - St Mary’s, Oldham, Submitted by
Oldham Council
Moss Madden - The winner of the undergraduate
award was awarded to James Gibbs for his
dissertation on Garden Cities and Sustainable
Design, and the postgraduate award to Laura
Makeating for her dissertation on shale gas
development.
Moss Madden Winner James Gibbs and
Greg Dickson of Turley Associates
Oldham Council gave a talk on the winning scheme.
We then heard from Stephen Hughes, Matthew
Stafford and Ruairidh Jackson of the Co-operative
Group, followed by a walking tour of the NOMA
development, looking into some the older Cooperative buildings with great views out over
Manchester and learning some of their history back
to the 1960’s.
Next year, the AGM will be brought forward to
September – hoping for better weather and more
opportunities for another good site visit, as well as an
opportunity for all Members to attend and meet
afterwards.
Marc Watterson, RTPI NW Chair
PLANNET – February 2014
Be Proud of Planning – It’s the centenary and a
good time to be a planner. Be proud of the
profession and celebrate its achievements, and try to
achieve outcomes that future town planners can also
look back and be proud of. I rather hope that the
next BBC series, which I understand is to be
rebranded from ‘The Planners’ to ‘Not In My Back
Yard’, will help and not hinder the cause (or be
counter-balanced by Kevin McCloud, George Clarke
and Sarah Beeny). I hope that next year’s awards
continue to demonstrate what can be achieved within
our profession and I encourage you and your
organisations to take part.
Commendation to upgrade the public urban
fabric - Greengate Square, Submitted by Salford City
Council
President’s Visit 2014
The annual President’s Visit took place on 27th and
28th November, and we welcomed Dr Peter Geraghty
to the North West to show him the planning sights.
Our first visit was to Brockholes – the multi award
winning (not least an RTPI NW award in 2012) nature
reserve outside Preston. The planning history to the
development of the site is in itself a story which only
makes the achievement even more impressive.
Following a warming lunch we were shown the
buildings themselves, reed beds, water treatment
beds and a range birds as they followed us around
the reserve. Well worth a visit if you have not been
–
not
just
for
the
planning
story
(http://www.brockholes.org/).
Our evening event was the inaugural President’s
Reception, held at BDP’s office and attended by a
number of invited guests including LPA Heads of
Planning and representatives of statutory and nonstatutory consultees. The turnout was good and an
opportunity for like minded Town Planners to talk
about the issues that the profession is facing and
how different authorities are addressing these.
Day two saw us start at MediaCity. Set admit a long
history at Salford Quays of masterplanning and
regeneration, huge commitment from Salford City
Council ....hang about is that Gary Barlow I see?
Half the party was lost, but the sight of a Dalek and
Tardis lost the rest of the party. Perhaps slightly
less about town planning, but one cannot fail to be
blown away by the technology within MediaCity and
Salford University as we were shown studios for
television, radio, as well as the space for start up
media firms and space for research and
development. A personal highlight – seeing War
Horse backing out of the lift and into the Blue Peter
studio.
Now running late being distracted by so much to see
at MediaCity, we flew down the M60 to the airport to
join the other RTPI Members who had taken up the
invitation to join this part of the President’s Visit.
Kindly hosted by Manchester Airports Group, we
were treated to lunch and a talk about some of the
town planning issues faced within the Group, both
nationally and at Manchester in particular. We learnt
more about the background and the future for Airport
City and were shown around the sites in a coach
which then deposited us at Concorde. This beat the
Tardis in terms of excitement for me. We were shown
around underneath, trying to comprehend the sheer
power generated by the huge Rolls Royce engines,
and then inside where our Chair took the Queen’s
preferred throne, waving at her imaginary adoring
public as we landed at New York two hours before
we left London...beats coach in Ryanair anyway.
Our President left us from the airport (to head further
north to the Young Planners in Yorkshire) but I feel it
was a good visit, seeing some great past and
potential future planning achievements. Our thanks to
all who contributed to making this year’s visit such a
success and we look forward to next year’s event.
Marc Watterson
RTPI NW Chair
President’s Reception
Media City
PLANNET – February 2014
Brockholes
Discussion continued well into the evening fuelled by
BDP’s usual excellent hospitality.
The Learner Voice
A pilot workplace-based mentoring scheme, The
Learner Voice, launched in February 2013 by the
Construction Industry Council (CIC) North-West
Regional Committee in partnership with the Higher
Education Academy (HEA) and CITB, has won the
Merit award for the CIOB International Innovation &
Research Awards 2013, in the Innovation in Education
and Training Award category.
Katie Wray, The Co-operative Estates said of the
scheme: “…a great way to help the next generation of
built environment professionals understand their
options and how it works in practice…[it] had a big
impact for the student. The Learner Voice has the
potential to create a much more ‘joined-up’ built
environment profession.”
At the summative dissemination workshop with
employers, learners and academics, benefits identified
included the potential for enhanced local relationships
between
companies
and
Universities
going
forward; valuable insights, advice and feedback for
students, including network opportunities and site visits;
and mentors said they enjoyed putting something back
into the industry and found contact with young people
refreshing and inspiring, they also valued the
opportunity to network with fellow professionals, and
gain CPD in mentoring.
Aled Williams, Discipline Lead (Built Environment) at
the HEA and lead of The Learner Voice pilot,
commented: “The Learner Voice being shortlisted for
this award was an accolade in itself but attaining the
Merit award is a great honour. It is important to our
industry and to our students to bring employers and
education providers closer together for the benefit of
future generations of built environment professionals. I
would be delighted to see the scheme rolled out
nationwide and for students everywhere to be given the
chance to have the careers to which they aspire.”
Roy Cavanagh MBE, Seddon and sponsor of the
scheme said: “What really struck me was the chance
that this could be rolled out further.”
Following the success of the pilot, the scheme will be
repeated in 2014. Individuals and employers interested
in participating in The Learner Voice as mentors can
contact Aled Williams,
[email protected]
The Irish Sea Maritime Forum Annual
Conference 2014 will be held on 2 July in
Liverpool as part of the International Festival
of Business. The focus of this year’s event is
Blue Growth. More details will be available in
due course.
Check www.irishseamaritimeforum.org
updates including how to register.
for
Sponsorship opportunities are available contact [email protected] or
speak to Lynne 0151 794 3117 or Caroline
0151 934 2966 to discuss.
Friday 3rd October 2014
RTPI North West
Centenary Dinner
Hilton Manchester
Deansgate
SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES &
BOOKINGS
NOW AVAILABLE
Please contact Bev Watson for
details on 0161 604 7799 or
email [email protected]
PLANNET – February 2014
Under the scheme, a consortium of universities in the
North-West of England together with over 30
construction and built environment companies with a
presence in the area, signed up to provide Built
Environment undergraduates with the opportunity to
talk informally to construction industry professionals
about issues such as career choices, links between
university and the world of work, and placement
opportunities. As a result of the programme 65 students
were matched with 56 mentors.
Dates
for your Diary
Funding Coastal Access:
Event Report and
The Way Forward
On 3rd December the North West Coastal Forum
held an event in Blackpool exploring funding sources
for coastal access improvements to help achieve the
long-term ambitions of the North West Coastal Trail
concept of a multi-use coastal access trail running
from Chester to Carlisle. Feedback from the event
was excellent, with one delegate commenting ‘one of
the most useful meetings I’ve ever attended’.
Attended by 35 delegates the event was designed
to:
Presentations included an introduction and overview
of ambitions for the North West coast (Sue Kidd,
Liverpool University and NWCF) an update on
progress on the English Coastal Path from Danny
Moores, Lead Advisor, England Coast Path Delivery
Team (North West), Natural England and a range of
presentations
exploring
funding
opportunities
including
Heritage
Lottery
(Maya
Sharma
Development Officer, Heritage Lottery Fund North
West), Coastal Communities Fund (Wil Woan, Big
Lottery), INTERREG 2014-2020 (Caroline Salthouse,
The presentations were followed by a workshop
session exploring ambitions for coastal access, other
funding opportunities and bids already in
development which might be expanded to include
new partners/areas. Delegates were also given the
opportunity to share their details with others working
in the same geographic area to help development of
collaborative bids.
Going forward a workshop report will be produced
and will be available to download from the Coastal
Forum website. Delegates who completed the forms
to share information will be contacted again with a
view to putting them in touch with others to help
future bid development.
Importantly this ‘brokerage’ service is also offered on
an ongoing basis to others who weren’t able to
attend. If you wish to discuss being included please
contact Caroline at the North West Coastal Forum
([email protected] 0151 934 2966).
Caroline Salthouse
North West Coastal Forum
PLANNET – February 2014
Provide an update on funding opportunities for
coastal access
Explore possibilities for collaborative bids to progress
coastal access across administrative boundaries
Provide an opportunity to network and exchange
information on coastal access improvements on the
North West coast
Update delegates with the progress on national
coastal access in Cumbria
North West Coastal Forum), Local Improvement
Grants (Val Hough, Sefton Council) and Coastal
Defence Scheme opportunities (Carl Green, Wyre
Council). The presentations are available and can be
downloaded from the North West Coastal Forum
website
News/NWCF
News
section
at
www.nwcoastalforum.org.uk .
RTPI NW Infrastructure Planning Conference:
Making Sure Planning for Infrastructure Delivers
to Best of all Communities
RTPI NW ran a conference on infrastructure planning
at Gateley’s office on 20th November 2013. It was
attended by over 40 people and included speakers
from a range of professional backgrounds.
The Government focus is on speedier and simpler
planning to deliver infrastructure, as set out in the
Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013, National
Infrastructure Plan and NPPF. There is very little
consideration given to the quality or the benefits that
planning can bring through delivery of infrastructure.
The conference sought to move the debate beyond
the issuer of speedier planning and talk about more
effective planning for infrastructure.
Speakers
considered how planning can ensure the benefits of
infrastructure are maximised for our communities.
There were discussions about infrastructure delivery
and priorities, in particular, in the question and
answer sessions.
Emerging Thinking
Infrastructure has to deliver for both now and be
suitable for the long term. We need to have regard
for significant changes that may occur at both the
global and local levels. This includes impacts of
climate change, access to food and changes to
communication technology.
Community infrastructure is particularly difficult to
deliver. This is due to reduced overall viability of
sites as well as competition from affordable housing
and physical infrastructure, which are being given
higher priority. As planners we need to be able to
articulate the benefits of community infrastructure,
particularly the benefits that are relevant to
developers, such as reputation of socially cohesive
areas.
Infrastructure is critical for business because
business is about connectivity to markets. Improved
communication between business and planners
would assist in maximising the economic benefits of
Effective infrastructure planning needs to be about
programmes and not just lists of projects.
Infrastructure Delivery Plans encourage this
approach. Programmes allow for better identification
of synergies. They also assist with communication
with business and residential communities because
they can set out what will happen in the near future
as well as longer term proposals.
There are concerns about the effectiveness of CIL for
funding local infrastructure projects.
There will
continue to be a need to think innovatively about
using CIL along with other funds. CIL acts more as a
tax than S106. As a result developers cannot require
the delivery of infrastructure to meet the timescales of
their development.
There are huge infrastructure projects being both
planned and delivered in the North West. The two
main drivers are a) private sector businesses and b)
Government’s agenda to close the economic gap. In
both cases there is a strong emphasis on
consultation. It is acknowledged that to maximise the
effectiveness of these projects, they need to be
included in more integrated infrastructure planning
programmes.
Jane Healey Brown
PLANNET – February 2014
Background
Infrastructure is high on the Government agenda to
facilitate economic recovery.
The National
Infrastructure Plan 2012 includes 550 projects
identified valued at £310billion.
However, the
emphasis is very much on physical infrastructure :
energy, transport, water and communications. The
conference discussed many types of physical
infrastructure, but it also considered the importance
of social infrastructure to try and regain a more
balanced approach to infrastructure planning. It also
considered the impact on both resident and business
communities.
planned infrastructure. However, a serious constraint
is the mismatch between planning timescales
because businesses generally only plan for 1-2 years
in advance, 3 years at best. Engagement with
business representative organisations, such as
Chambers of Commerce, is a way of navigating this
mismatch.
Planning in the Isle of Man
Isle of Man Retail Sector
Isle of Man Vision2020
The retail sector in the Isle of Man provides a
shopping experience which caters both for
the local population and visitors with an
excellent mix of well-known high street
brands and specialist independent retailers.
It also provides future development guidance,
which is seen as essential by the sector,
potential investors and property developers
alike. It will inform Government policy in a
range of relevant areas and will form part of
the evidence base for the forthcoming
reviews of the Island Strategic Plan, the Area
Plan for the East and the preparation of a
Central Douglas Masterplan.
Copies of the Strategy and the evidence base
can
be
accessed
at
http://www.whereyoucan.com/SectorsDetail/Retail.aspx
The plan for developing the Isle of Man’s economic
future, Vision2020, was launched in January 2014,
with an event organised by the Isle of Man
Government’s
Department
of
Economic
Development for the local business community.
Vision 2020 looks at the opportunities and
development needs for economic success for the
Island, and the strategies that underpin it.
It is acknowledged that economic success requires
effective joint effort by both the public and private
sectors towards a common vision. During 2013
research was gathered by engaging leaders in both
sectors over a period of 6 months and using a wide
range of means. Vision 2020 analyses this data and
builds upon the plans set out in the Isle of Man
Government’s ‘Discover the Agenda for Change in
Our Economy’ document which was published in
March 2013.
The Vision2020 strategy document can be viewed at
http://www.whereyoucan.com/vision2020
Isle of Man Launches scheme allowing
public to speak at Planning Committee
meetings
Since December 2013, members of the public have
been able to speak at Planning Committee meetings
under a new scheme introduced by the Isle of Man
Government’s Department of Infrastructure. The
‘public speaking scheme’ is being trialled for 12
months.
While Planning Committee meetings are open to the
public, only written comments on planning
applications have previously been considered. Under
the scheme, for each planning application considered
one objector and one supporter, or the applicant, plus
the Local Authority representative, will be allowed to
explain their position in person to the Planning
Committee.
PLANNET – February 2014
With 10 percent of the workforce employed
within retail and income from retail
distribution accounting for approximately 5
percent of GDP, retail is a significant part of
the Isle of Man’s economy which, in today’s
world, is also seen as a prominent leisure
activity.
The Isle of Man Retail Sector Strategy was
launched in December 2013 by the Isle of
Man Government’s,
Department of
Economic Development who were supported
by contributions from planners working in the
Department of Infrastructure’s Planning
division and representatives from the islands
retail sector.
The Retail Sector Strategy sets out a clear
vision of the future: to promote competitive
and
accessible
retail
and
leisure
environments in our town centres, which offer
choice and convenience for consumers,
improve the economy and enhance residents’
quality of life.
RTPI Conferences/Events in 2014
RTPI North West Update Events (2014)
PLANNING LAW UPDATE: Keeping Up and Getting Ahead
Monday 3 March, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington
With the Government issuing legislative changes, policy announcements and consultation documents on a
weekly basis, it is becoming harder and harder to keep up with planning. This event will bring you up to
date on the legal issues and will provide you with a heads-up as to where planning is heading on key
themes.
DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS: A Viability Masterclass
Thursday 13 March, Gateley, Manchester
You will be taken through the principles of viability from local authority level to site specific by specialist
advisers. The discussion will consider the issues from the perspective of the landowner, house
builder/developer, local authority planners, agents and solicitors. It will cover CIL and other contributions,
the need and benefits of building more housing, how to undertake a viability appraisal and how to review
one. Come armed with your questions and our expert panel will be ready to answer your questions.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY: Getting it Right
Thursday 3 April, Eversheds, Manchester
The Government is wedded to CIL, at least for the time being, with changes promised to deal with the
issues that have arisen with its practical application. With more and more local authorities bring forward
charging schedules, CIL is really starting to bite and this event will consider the practical impacts of CIL on
development and how to formulate and pursue permissions to manage CIL liability and cashflow.
MINERALS & WASTE: It’s not all Rubbish
Tuesday 29 April, Bredbury Parkway, Stockport
The review of planning guidance is intended to streamline the planning system. This event will consider
the implications of these post-NPPF reforms on minerals and waste planning. The event will include
updates on a range of minerals and waste planning issues including guidance and Local Plans using a
case study approach to highlight examples of best and innovative practice.
HEALTH: The Challenge of Mainstreaming
Thursday 8 May, BDP, Manchester
This event offers opportunities to discuss why and how health considerations should be embedded into
policy and development. Planning and health professionals will showcase their approaches to this agenda,
highlighting successes and issues for consideration. Paragraph 171 in NPPF and the first year of public
health reintegration with local authority means that more local authorities are examining this
agenda. Come along to find out what others are achieving in terms of healthy planning.
HERITAGE: Protecting our Assets
Wednesday 21 May, DLA Piper, Manchester
This event will aim to give practical help and guidance for planning those special buildings and places
within our communities. Taking forward some of the themes identified at the successful 2013 event, tools
such as conservation area appraisals and heritage statements will be covered as well as considering the
impact of development on adjacent heritage assets. Updates will also be given on the impact and
implementation of the NPPF in respect of heritage matters as well as heritage case work and renewable
energy in relation to the historic environment.
All full day events and may be used as part of a season ticket booking.
£95 +VAT for members. Contact Bev Watson at [email protected] for further
details or booking.
PLANNET – February 2014
LOCAL PLANS: Moving from Strategy to Sites
Thursday 27 March, Gateley, Manchester
This event will consider how site allocations, development management policies and other designations
can be used to achieve the objectives of a Local Plan. It will consider the most efficient ways to prepare
sound, positive, viable and deliverable plans. It will take a closer look at: the processes used to select and
assess sites, including those for gypsies and travellers; the relationship between Neighbourhood Plans
and the Local Plan; and the duty to cooperate.
Jobs / Vacancies
HOW Planning is one of the leading
planning and environmental
consultancies in the North of England,
offering commercially focussed advice to
a wide spectrum of blue chip clients
across all market sectors.
We are now seeking further professionals
with the energy, drive and commitment to
join our winning team in Manchester.
Written applications (no agencies please) to:
[email protected]
For an informal discussion please call one of
the Partners: Gary Halman, Richard
Woodford or Jon Suckley on 0161 835 1333.
You will be part of a vibrant and
successful national planning team that is
playing a key role in the expansion of the
WYG business which is consistently rated in
the top 10 planning consultancies in the UK.
Planner / Senior Planner
required for small planning consultancy
based in Stockport
Experience in preparing and submitting a
wide variety of planning applications,
planning appeals and enforcement
negotiations
Salary based on Experience
For more information or to submit a written
application or CV please contact:
Louise Dowd
Director of Planning Services
[email protected]
0161 443 4718
Mellor Dowd
Mellor House
61-85 St Petersgate
Stockport
SK1 1DS
You will have a degree and chartered status. We are
looking for commercially minded planners with the
ability to work under their own initiative.
You will assist with a varied workload for public and
private sector clients across a range of sectors. You will
have a degree and (ideally) chartered status.
We offer excellent salary and benefits and plenty of
scope to develop.
To apply, please visit our careers pages on
www.wyg.com
Closing date: 7th March 2014.
WYG is an equal opportunities employer
PLANNET – February 2014
During the last 12 months we have delivered
over 98% success rate on all applications
and appeals for our clients on some of the
most challenging and complex assignments
in the region.
Opportunities exist for a number of positions
from graduates / planners through to senior /
principal planners. Common to all will be
enthusiasm, excellent communication skills,
a sound academic background and an
ambition to progress in a dynamic, young
organisation.
Jobs / Vacancies
Vacancy
Job Description
Peter Brett Associates LLP is seeking experienced
and enthusiastic consultants for Senior Planner
positions for its growing Manchester office. We
are ideally looking for individuals who have at least
2 years’ post-graduate experience (in either the
public or private sectors) and who are RTPI
accredited. The position will be permanent and
working hours/arrangements are flexible.
All employers are reminded that
the RTPI North West Region
keeps up to date CVs for
students
seeking
work
experience in the North West. If
you are looking to provide a work
experience opportunity, or you
are a student seeking a work
experience placement (and have
not already submitted a CV),
please contact Bev Watson on
[email protected]
For further information and to apply please submit
your CV along with a covering letter, by 14th
March 2014, directly to Bernard Greep at
[email protected]
Bringing planning into the classroom
Have you ever thought what it would be like to meet the next generation of planners and to ask them:
'how do we plan our world?’
As part of our 2014 Centenary celebrations, as mentioned earlier in this issue of PLANNET, the RTPI is
looking for ambassadors to go into our schools to present 'Future Planners', an exciting new initiative that
aims to raise awareness of, and foster interest in, planning with school students aged 11-18.This is an
opportunity to get young people thinking about the place where they live, and the challenges communities
face in the future.
Ambassadors should be entertaining, positive, even funny, but above all, ambassadors for the profession.
You will need to be a Chartered or Licentiate member, but there may be opportunities for others (for example
Student members) to go along with ambassadors on their visits.
If you are interested in getting involved, please see the RTPI website for more information, or contact John
Sturzaker, the ambassador coordinator in the North West ([email protected]).
Additionally, as mentioned in the NW Centenary Events we are running a Competition for 6th form students
and details of the competition and prospective visits have been sent out to a range of schools and sixth form
colleges across the North West (receiving a number of positive responses). However, if you, as a PLANNET
reader, have contacts within regional schools/colleges (specifically the Head of Geography, Headteacher /
Principal or relevant Deputy Head) we would urge you to pass on details of this opportunity.
Regional volunteers are also available to attend careers fairs at schools and colleges across the North West.
Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer to be involved in the competition, school / college visits or to
support a careers fair, please contact the RTPI NW Regional Coordinator, Beverley Watson at
[email protected]. Individuals looking to support their former school/college are always welcome!
PLANNET – February 2014
Desired Skills and Experience
Ideal candidates would have good knowledge and
experience of the planning policy and development
control
issues
associated
with
retail
development. We are particularly interested in
candidates with expertise in retail impact
assessment and retail and leisure capacity
studies.
Experience in housing land supply,
affordable housing issues, residential site
promotion and general planning experience would
also be advantageous.
RTPI NW Region
Student CV
Database