The RTPI welcomes the government’s announcements in the English Devolution White Paper on implementing strategic planning quickly and the need for greater collaboration across local authorities.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The RTPI has long been championing for strategic authorities and mayors to take on planning powers and the publication of the English Devolution White Paper is a step in the right direction in strengthening collaboration across local authorities.
We are pleased to see the Government providing the clarity we have previously called for on the scoping, geography and time scales for strategic planning.
We also welcome the government’s recognition that strategic plans will need to be connected with plans for nature, transport and energy. As we noted in our briefing on England-wide strategic spatial planning, integrated spatial planning will be key to delivering the ambitions of this government.
The government will now need to maintain open communication with and offer appropriate support to local authorities to provide further certainty during the transitional period, while these new changes are being implemented.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP invited Victoria to an event in West Yorkshire on English devolution
Victoria Hills at the event in West Yorkshire
Additional information
- In October, the RTPI proposed a clear "route map" to government to help Local Authorities take full advantage of strategic plans as soon as possible and to keep making local plans while they are introduced.
- Research commissioned by the RTPI revealed overwhelming support for effective strategic planning in England across the public and private sectors, with 96% of planners agreeing that a change to current practice is needed.
- The RTPI’s Planifesto asked government for support for planners
