Dr Tessa Lynn, University of Reading, is a Research Fellow on the ‘Just Neighbourhoods?’ project
Can planning either reinforce or challenge social and environmental injustice at the local level? We think there is a vital role that community-led planning (CLP) can play in creating more just and inclusive societies. However, it is often an underused tool by the areas and people who could benefit most from it. This gap between the ideals of CLP and its actual impact in marginalised communities, as well as understanding alternative tools that are used in these areas to respond to local injustice, is something the research team on the Just Neighbourhoods? project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, are keen to explore.
The team is made up of Professor Gavin Parker (University of Reading), Professor John Sturzaker (University of Hertfordshire), Dr Matthew Wargent (University of Cardiff) and Dr Tessa Lynn (University of Reading).
The advisory group is comprised of people from the University of Dundee, Ulster University, Community Places, Local Trust, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Planning Aid Scotland, Planning Aid England and Planning Aid Wales.
Overview of the ‘Just Neighbourhoods?’ project
To give it its full name, the 'Just Neighbourhoods? Under-representation in UK community-led planning' project is investigating the dynamics of community-led planning across all four nations of the UK. This research focuses on places where community planning efforts are less common, particularly in areas facing significant social and environmental challenges. Given the growing demand for more equitable planning practices, this project seeks to understand why CLP is under-utilised in such areas and how it can better serve communities.
Why focus on justice in planning?
The research team is particularly interested in the question: can community-led planning actually deliver social and environmental justice? While CLP empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods, the reality is often more complex. Issues of representation, inclusion, and accountability frequently arise. Through this project we are exploring how different forms of justice can intersect with planning practices, and what obstacles need to be addressed to make CLP more effective in marginalised communities.
Early findings and reflections
One of the key components of our project has been an extensive review of over 100 community-led plans, using a Justice, Equity, Deprivation, and Inclusion (JEDI) framework. Through this review, we have already revealed some issues. For example, while some plans explicitly address issues of justice and equity, many fall short in offering practical guidance on how to turn observations of injustice into action. This gap highlights the need for clearer action planning tools and support for local communities in implementing meaningful change.
Next steps
As we move into the second phase of the project, the team is conducting exploratory interviews to deepen our understanding of the plans we have reviewed. These interviews will help us identify case studies that exemplify both successes and challenges in CLP, particularly in communities that have traditionally been under-represented. These case studies will be in depth, tracking those neighbourhoods for over a year and is pivotal in shaping the practical recommendations we will be offering at the end of the project.
Conclusion: The bigger picture
This research goes beyond the academic realm—it speaks to the conviction that planning should serve as a tool for justice. The team are keen to identify ways to make community-led planning more inclusive, equitable, and effective in addressing the real issues faced by local people. By sharing our findings widely and offering guidance, this project will contribute to shaping planning systems that have justice clearly in view. If you are keen to follow this project, be sure to visit the website.
