Planning for Non-Planners

Successful pilot project delivered in Huddersfield and Bradford

In mid May BURA and the ASC successfully piloted a new ‘Planning for Non-Planners’ Programme in Yorkshire for Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council. The two-day programme comprised a taught day in Huddersfield and a tour day of selected sites in Bradford.

The first day, taught by BURA tutors and BCHF Planning Consultants David Simpson and Michael McMullan, informed delegates of the key principles of planning. It helped participants gain an understanding of the requirements of a typical planning application, the associated development control system, and looked at the assessment methods for evaluating the impact of development proposals such as SEA and EIA. The day was based around interactive seminar sessions and group work to enable pro-active and effective learning.

The second day, hosted by LCF Solicitors, featured guest speakers Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of the Bradford URC, and Jonathan Wright, Chair of the Goitside Development Trust. Both speakers gave an overview of their roles within planning and answered questions about regeneration issues in Bradford before delegates went onto the study tours. The tours were hosted by Royds Community Association and Bradford Trident, both of whom have been recognised for good practice within regeneration. The Royds tour looked at how the planning system can be used to intervene in existing ‘sink’ estates and visited key sites within the Royds remit. Participants on the Trident tour looked at how the development of the ‘Living Street’ concept has improved the public realm through the construction of a route for sustainable modes of transport designed to link communities with the city centre.

Feedback from the Pilot was positive with over 95% rating their experience as ‘Good or Very Good’. The development of the Programme will now continue with the support and advice of the ASC and our steering group, comprising the RTPI, CABE and Planning Aid Yorkshire who we would like to thank for the time they have given to the project.

For further information on this programme please contact Richard at: richard@bura.org.uk.