RTPI publish 'Planifesto'

As election fever sweeps the country, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have published their 'Planifesto' for 2024.

They are calling on all political parties to realise the economic, social and environmental potential of planning.

The Planifesto identifies five key areas that they want the next UK government to commit to:

• funding councils to deliver high quality planning services - ensuring local planning authorities receive the necessary funding to deliver high-quality planning services that meet the needs of their communities;
• explaining where manifesto promises will be delivered - provide significant spatial guidance on where infrastructure should be built and connected;
• strengthen local plans to empower communities - this will give communities a greater say in the development of their local areas;
• work with local leaders to avoid piecemeal development - connect and coordinate local leaders' and government agencies’ actions across housing and labour markets, transport and energy networks and ecosystems;
• plan for net zero - promote sustainability by planning for net-zero emissions and supporting renewable energy and sustainable technology.

The RTPI state that although these commitments are somewhat ambitious they are 'necessary to improve our cost of living, create better pathways to home ownership and drive the economic and environmental transformations that parties across the political spectrum have promised.'

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, commented: “We’re urging parties to engage with the planning profession early in their general election preparations to ensure that every community has access to the homes, infrastructure, and support they need to prosper.

“With a public vote potentially around the corner, we see this as a pivotal time to articulate the purpose and value of proactive planning. We'll continue to engage with political parties and candidates to ensure a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future for the UK, where planning plays a central role.”

The RTPI are calling on planners to help spread awareness of the positive impact that planning can have in the UK, and want them to get involved in their 'Planifesto' campaigin.

More information can be found on their website - RTPI Planifesto 2024.