The Strategic Planning Group met last week for the final session of this series. The group was honoured to be joined by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP.
There were productive discussions on practical routes to delivery, including what is needed from government, place leaders and planners to accelerate preparation of Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs).
Key priorities included:
> The need to provide resources and support for ‘forerunner’ authorities in preparing SDSs which will enable early progress. This should include help to establish shadow teams.
> Promoting this new era of strategic planning is essential. Engaging place leaders and stakeholders to highlight the important role strategic planning can play to attract investment and drive sustainable growth.
> Establishing mechanisms to manage cross-boundary and functional issues that impact more than one SDS area, particularly for national and regional infrastructure, strategic development, and New Towns.
The Strategic Planning Group continues to refine its recommendations in collaboration with key stakeholders. Look out for further updates in the coming months, with the group’s final recommendations set to launch in late spring.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged in this important work so far.
