Set up in 1948 by health secretary Nye Bevan and relaunched by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1960, the RTPI has supported the government led programme since the 1980s. The RTPI has secured for the role of planning consultant to be honoured - the local planning authority was already recognised for its role in delivering quality.
There are 2 streams of awards: for schemes with planning approval but not yet built or occupied (Project Awards) and; for development built and occupied (Completed). About 60 schemes are shortlisted each year from which about 1:4 is honoured with an award.
The lead promoter is currently DLUHC, supported by GLA and Homes England, as well as all major stakeholders in residential development. There are 6 RTPI members on the judging panel of 20, chaired by Gareth Capner, previously of Barton Wilmore and currently one of the RTPI team assessing the profession's education. RTPI president Sue Bridge was a judge from 2016-2021.
Entry is online at www.hdawards.org where films of about 100 recent winners can be seen alongside more than 1000 case studies. Deadline for 2023 is 1 March.
