What is Localism?

The planning power shift

Tony Burton
Free-range Founder of Civic Voice & ex Design Council, National Trust, CPRE @Tony4Place

From this

And this

How does it feel?

And this

Tokenism

This is Localism
To this

Closed facilities Loss of community shops Empty Clone shops town

Drink, drugs and danger

Familiar tales?
Out of town High rents No green space Declining public realm

Apathy Weak planning Traffic & parking

Trust the people

Poor shop fronts

Who is right?
Community says: Never ask Don Dont listen Jargon Don Dont respect Patronise Ignore Councils say: Time

Scary stuff
Community says: Jargon Know how Confidence Hard work Bigger picture Councils say:

Cost Usual suspects Contradiction

Lose control Role of experts Hard work Unexpected

Rights

L oc a

lism

Civic shame

s t f i h S e r e i w Po it n u ol m r t m n Co n co i

Riot clean up

Love where you live

ExplorativePro-acti v Open Collabora e tive t n e r Transpa ity n Respectful mu Diverse om ted C roo

Community rights
The Localism Act introduces a series of new rights as part of the power shift from central Government to local communities: Right to challenge Right to bid Right to build Right to plan
http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/

Different starting point

Representation Whats missing Consultation Risk Assets Expert Heads Information & legislation Civil servants

Right to Plan
Neighbourhood led place making both policies and sites Light-touch but robust Flexible Pro-growth Must fit with strategic context New basis for collaborating with local authority and within community

Participation What we have Collaboration Opportunity Place DIY Hearts Social action Civic servants

Number of applications to designate areas for neighbourhood planning

669
Number of areas designated by their local authority for neighbourhood planning

472
Number of draft plans submitted for pre-submission consultation

40
Gone to examination Positive Examination

Plans successfully passed referendum:

Upper Eden Thame

15 4

Exeter St James & Tattenhall

Neighbourhood planning pipeline

Neighbourhood Plan
Develop shared vision what you like, dislike, want to change and want to attract Choose location of new homes, offices, shops, cultural facilities and other development Identify and protect important green space, views, historic buildings and features Establish urban and architectural design expectations for new development

Difference is design
Where theory and practice meet Where developers, councils and local people meet Design codes shared framework Charettes powerful collaboration between local knowledge and external expertise Everyone has a view which matters

Difference is design
Character / Space / Movement / Use not architectural style Could this be anywhere? What impact does it have on the street? Are good materials and planting being used? Will it add to street clutter and light pollution? Is it intuitive and easy to get around? Can it work at night? Will it stand the test of time?

Its worth it!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Questions and discussion