Masterclass: Proactive planning

How to deliver proactive planning, in order to deliver the most appropriate outcome for a particular site, from strategic considerations such as managing collaboration with project teams throughout the planning timeline, through to the particular tactics, such as setting clear expectations for applicants.

In this session, we will explore what it means to practice ‘proactive planning’, in policy and practice.

We will firstly situate ourselves in policy-making, considering how the ability to be 'proactive' is rooted in the policies, but also the process of making them. We will consider our current approaches to the development of local plans, guidance and briefs.

At a finer scale, we will consider the pragmatic, every-day ways we can practice proactively, for example through managing collaboration with project teams throughout the planning process by setting clear expectations for applicants.

There will be a brief discussion around the tools at our disposal, such as design surgery, land assembly powers, design review and online forums for communities, as well as role of council-led initiatives. We will also look to alternative approaches to proactive planning in places we can learn from, both in the UK and Europe.

Delivered by:

Robin Buckle, Robin Buckle Urban Desig / DSE Panel member

Speakers and specialist contributors:

Amy Burbidge, Design Action Manager, North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit

Dhruv Sookhoo, Head Research & Practice Innovation, Metropolitan Workshop LLP

Anna Rose, Head of the Planning Advisory Service (PAS), Local Government Association

Time: 09:00 - 13:00

Date: Monday 25th February

Location: Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Rd, Ipswich IP1 2BX.

Please note: these events are primarily open to Suffolk local authority staff, elected members & Suffolk Design Group stakeholders only, until further notice. If places become available we may be able to offer them to non-local authority staff, such as those within the private sector. Please check back here for further details.