Royal Town Planning Institute

The RTPI has welcomed the government’s investment into the planning system, announced in today's budget, but urges long-term investment. With increasing numbers of planners moving into the private sector, the RTPI underscores the urgent need for initiatives that attract and retain talent within local authorities. Last year, the RTPI reported that a quarter of planners left the public sector between 2009 and 2020. In June, the Institute revealed that planning reform and increased housing development could miss out on over £70 billion in additional value by not investing in planning. Simon Creer, Communications Director at the RTPI, said: “As demonstrated by the Chancellor, planning remains top of the government's agenda, showing a commitment to delivering their manifesto pledges on planning reform.” On supporting a new generation of planners: “The RTPI is committed to supporting the next generation of planners entering the profession and would welcome any opportunity that inspires and empowers young talent in planning. “However our research has highlighted a critical challenge: Local Planning Authorities are steadily losing mid-level and senior planners to the private sector, resulting in a loss of invaluable expertise that cannot easily be replaced by new, capable graduates and apprentices alone. “While we are encouraged that the new government is responsive to the profession’s resourcing concerns, addressing the productivity of the planning system requires more than increasing the numbers. We need ambitious strategies for both resourcing and retention, with a comprehensive, long-term approach to building capacity in the planning system.” On expanding affordable housing: “Looking ahead, there is significant potential for the government to expand pathways for affordable housing delivery. Local authorities are well-positioned to adopt varied approaches, and further strategic support in funding and skill development from the government will be key to unlocking these opportunities." #budget2024 #planningreform #resourcing #housing

RTPI Scotland member Lesley Martin writes about how infrastructure is, or should be, defined. "What is clear is that ‘infra-structure’ has become much more diverse since the days when the World Bank in 2008 described it simply as roads, ports, airports, and power." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVv2rT_N

📣 Calling all RTPI Members: Applications to join our Standing Committees in 2025 close on 8 November. We are seeking applications for the following committees: • Membership and Ethics Committee • Education and Lifelong Learning Committee • England Policy Committee • International Committee Please note that if you are already a member of a committee and wish to continue you will need to re-apply for membership in 2025. What do the committees do? The Standing Committees take on responsibilities for specific areas of the Institute’s work, as delegated to them by the Board of Trustees. Each Standing Committee typically meets four times a year with a mixture of online and in person meetings. Why should I join? You'll get the chance to be part of an enthusiastic team of professionals who make a real difference to the planning profession and communities in which we live and work. You'll be supported by RTPI staff and existing committee members, and given trainings, briefings and guidance documents on relevant topics. Key benefits: • Develop your existing skills and learn new ones • Expand your Continuing Professional Development • Gain an understanding of the role of governance in a membership organisation • Help shape the future development of the RTPI for its members What is the process? Committee membership will be selected by Committee Chairs/Vice Chairs of each committee with a final endorsement by the Board of Trustees. For further information, please contact governance@rtpi.org.uk. To apply, please complete our online application form before 5pm on Friday 8 November 2024: https://lnkd.in/eeV3fz88

Online CPD - Heritage and Conservation Book now: https://lnkd.in/eSJ2yAMg

Congratulations to the eight finalists of the Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy, which recognises projects that drive economic success and promote a sustainable and thriving future for our communities. ⭐ 1000 Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus | Bidwells ⭐ Bank House, Pilgrim Street | Avison Young │ UK | Ryder Architecture | Newcastle City Council ⭐ Cardiff University Spark|Sbarc | DPP Planning ⭐ Melville Phase 1 | Plymouth City Council | Urban Splash | Gillespie Yunnie Architects ⭐ North Shields Transport Hub and Town Square | NAPPER ARCHITECTS | North Tyneside Council | Willmott Dixon ⭐ Stephenson Building at Newcastle University Joint Submission | ELG Planning | NORR | Newcastle University ⭐ Stockport Interchange | Stockport Council | Transport for Greater Manchester ⭐ Union Terrace Gardens | Aberdeen City Council - City Development & Regeneration Tickets are selling fast for the awards ceremony on 26 November, so book your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/esZ7s8jx #RTPIAwards #EconomicGrowth #Communities

Reminder | The APC and PD Assessor recruitment window closes on Thursday 31 Oct. Have you thought about becoming an RTPI Assessor and supporting the pipeline of future planners? We are looking to expand our pool of Professional Discussion (PD) assessors for 2025. PD assessors work as a pair to complete a 50-minute professional discussion with apprentices on the End Point Assessment of the Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship. Find out more and submit your expression of interest for 2025: https://lnkd.in/eUcU_fw5

Do you want to champion what a great career town planning is and raise awareness among young people? If you are an RTPI member and would like to represent the profession, are willing to adapt and relate planning to interesting and everyday issues, and are confident to talk engagingly about your job to young people then you may find being an RTPI Ambassador rewarding. As a volunteer you could: 👉 Help promote the profession at university careers fairs or school assemblies. 👉 Help write a case study which is turned into a lesson plan or skills workshop. 👉 Help broker a work experience 'insight day' for a student or class at your place of work. There's a toolkit to help. Find out how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/eZnJNFUT

Congratulations to the eight finalists of the Excellence in Digital Planning category, which showcases innovative, interactive ways to engage the public in planning through digital platforms. ⭐ AI Consultation Analysis | The Future Fox ⭐ Create a Town | The Future Fox ⭐ 3D Digital Modelling of Heritage Constraints and Growth Capacity | City of London Corporation ⭐ East Suffolk Planning Delivery Dashboard | East Suffolk Council ⭐ Plymouth Climate Decision Tool | Plymouth City Council ⭐ Digital Twin: Engaging our community and bringing the Watford Green Loop to life | Watford Borough Council ⭐ Solar PV Rooftop Assessment, Belfast City | GIA ⭐ Joint Local Plan | South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils Find out the winner at the awards ceremony on 26 November. Book your place now: https://lnkd.in/esZ7s8jx #RTPIAwards #DigitalPlanning #PlanningExcellence

Congratulations to the eight finalists in the Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture category. 👏 They include delivering the world’s biggest play structure, transforming a grade 1 listed building and creating Ireland’s first model village. ⭐ Aviva Studios | Deloitte ⭐ Emmanuel College South Court Redevelopment and Refurbishment | Bidwells ⭐ Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden | Pegasus Group ⭐ Melville Phase 1 Plymouth City Council | Urban Splash and Gillespie Yunnie Architects ⭐ Portlaw Town Centre First Plan | The Paul Hogarth Company ⭐ Queens University Belfast (QUB) Business School & Student Hub | Gravis Planning ⭐ Union Terrace Gardens | Aberdeen City Council - City Development & Regeneration ⭐ Virginia Civic Cultural and Library Services Centre | Cooney Architects | Keys and Monaghan Architects | Alastair Keys | Eamonn Monaghan ⭐ York Guildhall Burrell | Burrell Foley Fischer LLP Find out the winner at the awards ceremony on 26 November. Tickets are selling fast, so book your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/esZ7s8jx #RTPIAwards

Genny Middlemast and Bethany Jones reflect on their experience of the Young Planners' Conference as part of the East of England Young Planners committee. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGAMydww