RTPI LAUNCH DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT NETWORK TO PROVIDE POSITIVE PLANNING

The RTPI Development Management Network is to be launched at the Development Management Conference, part of the RTPI Conference Series, at the  New Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5DA, at 10.30am on the 3rd November 2006.

The role of development management is changing, assuming great importance in its contribution to delivering development, as required in the new spatial planning agenda. Because of legislative changes, it poses challenges and complexities, with increasing levels of expectation from the public, developers and government.

Janet Askew, Chair of the Development Management Network and Head of the School of Planning and Architecture, UWE, Bristol said: “The aim of the DMN is to promote a positive outlook for managing development to capitalise upon opportunities offered by the new spatial planning agenda.  It is recognised that development managers have to encourage a change in attitudes, to enable the former regulatory activity of development control to focus on outcomes and delivery.

“It is important for those working in development management to understand the role of bringing together different sectoral interests to secure development which contributes to sustainable communities. New legislation and guidance will have to be absorbed by all in the private and public sectors alike, and the activity of negotiating planning consents must be seen as a crucial part of the new spatial planning agenda. As part of this, the new network will help to raise awareness and disseminate good practice which exhibits innovation in both delivery and decision-making.”

The RTPI Development Management Network will:

Create an active and responsive network of members to exchange information, expertise and knowledge about the  management of development;

Facilitate the dissemination of good practice to assist members in their implementation of development management systems;

Promote innovative practice;

Contribute to the development of policy within the RTPI, and help formulate its response to Government initiatives, including new law and regulations;

Provide a mechanism for RTPI members to become more involved with the work of the Institute;

Build upon the wealth of knowledge and skills in the management of development, to explicitly improve the experience of all stakeholders in the development industry, in both public and private sectors;

Promote and build a positive image of the planning profession in its role of managing development. 

Ends