News article

Planners need to hold fast to creativity and vision

Date Posted:

09/11/2007

Article:

News just in. Spatial planning is exciting, crucial and mind boggling. What an amazing time for planners; we’re just getting used to the new system, more reforms are on the horizon and we must embrace the climate change agenda.

What inspired you to be a outside it than by its members. Internationally, it has exerted influence on a global scale, but more emphasis on sustainable development, climate change, urban poverty and urbanisation is needed.

Over the last few years the Institute has undergone significant internal reform and is now better placed to develop and challenge thinking about planning. But it still needs to evolve and I will drive forward a programme of change that involves you more.

For the Institute to be centre stage it should expand its role influencing political thinking and developing ideas. These should be founded on robust research by connecting theory with practice and by drawing on the many exemplars of innovative practice around the country.

The RTPI should provide you with the information and tools you need to get on with your job. This means enhancing member support through networks, the website and the regions to bring you the services you really want. I am committed to making the Institute more relevant to your needs.

Looking to the future, it is vital that we get positive ideas about planning into the media not least to encourage young people that it is a worthwhile and rewarding career. I will fight hard to raise the image of planning and planners.

This is a huge challenge. But one I feel can be achieved. The Institute should be at the heart of the debate standing up for planning and planners by taking the lead on key issues.

I am passionate about what I do and about what the Institute can do for you. My enthusiasm for the RTPI is demonstrated by involvement at regional and national levels throughout my career. I worked at the ‘coal face’ of planning in local government in development control and policy before working as a consultant. Please support me in driving forward change which puts the Institute centre stage, leading the debate and standing up for positive planning.

A shorter version of this article appeared in Planning magazine on the 9th November 2007.

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