The RTPI have given evidence at the House of Lords regarding the need for proper resourcing of planning departments, as part of the inquiry into National Policy for the Built Environment
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) writes:
Richard Blyth, the RTPI’s Head of Policy, Practice and Practice. made a powerful case for extra resources for planning departments in oral evidence to the House of Lords this morning. Their Lordships are conducting an inquiry into National Policy for the Built Environment.
Richard quoted our recent research into planning cuts, which the committee asked to see. He also raised the issue of increasing planning fees and how planners have been earning local authorities considerable sums through measures such as the New Homes Bonus.
Their Lordships were very interested to hear about the RTPI’s Bursary Scheme, our Future Planners initiative and Birmingham Council’s new graduate hub. Richard highlighted the value of employing chartered planners and explained our code of conduct and the value of ongoing professional development provided by the Institute.
Richard was also quizzed on the loss of experienced planners, the role of planning in contributing to the health and well being of an ageing population, and the value of a good local plan. He also made a plea for government as a whole to stop talking about planning as being a drag on development.
Watch Richard Blyth giving evidence (session starts at 10.13)
