My final act of eighteen months at PAS as the Comms Manager is to write a blog about what I’ve learned about planning. I knew next to nothing at the start – now I’m a little bit wiser… but not a lot.
Of course, it’s the large developments that get the headlines – and certainly get the public’s attention. It’s a tough old business. More houses are needed, but hardly anyone would welcome development in their area. But this you all know.
Being a local authority planner could be seen as rather like being a football referee – as long as the decisions go someone’s way they hardly notice the referee; but the moment it doesn’t…
Politics really does get in the way. In a perfect planning world politics would be taken out of planning and ‘vote for me cos I’ll block this’ would be outlawed. (As Adam Dodgshon has previously blogged about.) But this ain’t gonna happen. Sadly.
One of my favourite words is ‘however’. However, local authority planners can and do wear white hats. (However can be such an uplifting word!)
Local authority planners can be involved in some truly inspiring projects and can bring joy to hundreds or even thousands. I live in a new-build flat and I love it… so thanks developers and thanks local authority planners who helped make this happen. Areas can be literally redeveloped. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all those unused horrible looking brownfield or wasteland sites could be something colourful and beneficial to communities – you can make this happen!
Another of my favourite words is ‘yes’. Even better if it’s ‘Yes!’ From what I’ve picked up, it would be great if more often planners said:
– Yes! to pre-app engagement
– Yes! to embracing technology to keep customers informed (which saves time and money)
– Yes! to actively engaging communities on projects
– Yes! to forming regional groups to learn from each other and share best practice
– Yes! to writing more in the style of Hemingway (sparse prose, rather than wordy and rambly)
– Yes! to using the superb (and free) help on offer from PAS. (I couldn’t resist.)
In summary, it can be a frustrating business, for sure, but if you persevere you can help build something long-lasting. And not many folk can say that.
Planning Advisory Service 