CLG’s new scheme supporting free access to expert advice and guidance on planning has awarded funds to The Prince’s Foundation, Locality, The Royal Town Planning Institute, and the National Association of Local Councils in partnership with the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
The grants being made under the Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning project are:
- £1m The Royal Town Planning Institute
- £814,000 Locality
- £620,000 National Association of Local Councils in partnership with the Campaign to Protect Rural England
- £800,000 The Prince’s Foundation
CLG says:
New powers being introduced in the Localism Bill will give local people a real voice to shape development in their area through a neighbourhood plan, from determining the locations of shops, offices and schools to setting the standards of design for new housing.
To ensure communities have the right support and advice to meet their own aspirations, Greg Clark has announced four organisations with renowned expertise in planning who will share a £3.2m fund to provide assistance to local groups developing neighbourhood plans.
Each organisation will use its expertise, skills and track record advising on development to empower communities to reach the full potential of their neighbourhood plan from start to finish, from understanding the planning process and finding local solutions through to developing clear documents and building community support. This will include free impartial advice, practical workshops with local authorities and community groups, tailored on-line resources, networking tools and telephone advice lines.
Mr Clark said: ‘It is vital that grass root community groups are able to access specialist support and advice if their vision for their neighbourhood is to be truly realised. Making sure community groups have free access to a number of organisations means they can choose the experts that best suit their needs. All four organisations are specialists in their field and will provide an invaluable service to groups around the country, helping them to drive development and growth around their aspirations.’
CPRE News: LINK
Princes Foundation Article: LINK
RTPI News: LINK
Locality News: LINK
Dept of Communities: LINK
