The RTPI's work programme on the value of planning seeks to promote and inform a more considered, balanced and evidenced debate on the relationship between planning and economic growth.
Contrary to the views of some critics, planning can and does play a positive and proactive role in sustainable economic growth and development.
This page summarises the main projects and activities conducted so far under this programme.
The Value of Planning (2014)
This research, conducted for the RTPI by Professor David Adams, The University of Glasgow, and Professor Craig Watkins, The University of Sheffield, examines the value of planning, focusing primarily on economic and financial value, while recognising the importance of broader social and environmental value.
Delivering the Value of Planning (2016)
This report demonstrates how good planning can deliver sustainable economic growth and housing. It also suggests why in the UK we are not consistently realising the value of planning in practice, especially compared to parts of continental Europe. It is based on research conducted by The University of Glasgow, The University of Sheffield and the RTPI.
The Value of Planning in Wales (2018)
This research project, conducted by Arup, created a toolkit for capturing the economic, social and environmental value delivered by local authority planning. This project was kindly supported by Welsh Government.
Planning as 'market maker': How planning is used to stimulate development in Germany, France and the Netherlands
Exploring case studies from Hamburg, Lille and Nijmegen, this SPIRe project illustrates how proactive planning, as often utilised by our closest Western European neighbours, can lead to more quanitity and quality of output in the built environment.
Planning China's future: How planners contribute to growth and development
This project examines evidence from China to show the significant economic, social and environmental value that a robust planning system can bring.