Local Authorities Urged to Name Community Planning Champions

Date published: 03/04/2006

Local authorities should appoint a councillor or officer to act as a champion to help individuals and groups play a greater role in shaping their communities by engaging with the planning process, ODPM Minister Baroness Andrews announced today.

Champions will act as a bridge between groups who often do not understand the complexities of the planning system and how they can make their views known and the help that is available to them through the independent Planning Aid Service, which provides free advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who couldn't otherwise afford it.

Baroness Andrews said, "Strengthening community involvement is an integral part of the government's  planning reforms. Planning shapes the places where people live and work, so it is vital  that people should be enabled and empowered to take an active part in that process."

"By naming a champion, local authorities can ensure a wider a range of individuals,  community and residents groups are given the opportunity to contribute to the  planning process, helping them to bring forward their own plans to develop and  improve the areas where they live. The more that councils and Planning Aid can work  together the better."

Dave Chetwyn, Head of Planning Aid England said, "The champions will become our ambassadors and spread the word for the services we  can provide. You cannot develop a thriving, sustainable community unless you talk to  people and give them a say and a stake in their future, which is what Planning Aid  aims to do."

Robin Crompton, Chair of Trustees at Planning Aid for London said, "Having a direct contact in local government will also help Planning Aid services to  ensure they are prepared and can better meet the needs of councils and their  communities."

Cllr David Sparks, Chair of the Local Government Environment Board, said, "Local authorities work with a range of partners to try to make sure residents use the  planning system to develop attractive and vibrant communities."

"Councils have supported Planning Aid in the past and will continue to do so by  bringing their experience and expertise to the role of Community Champion. They will  help local residents to get the most out of the planning system and create communities  with a sense of place where people really want to live."

The community champions will:

• Help to build stronger, deeper relationships with community groups, especially the most isolated and disenfranchised;
• Introduce Planning Aid to new networks and help forge new relationships and partnerships;
• Shout about Planning Aid and its services within the local authority - and beyond. Planning Aid can help people to:
• Understand and use the planning system
• Participate in preparing plans
• Prepare their own plans for the future of their community
• Comment on planning applications
• Apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission
• Represent themselves at public inquiries.