Plymouth Plan shortlisted for top award
Plymouth’s plan for the future is in the national spotlight after being shortlisted for a prestigious accolade from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The Council has this week learnt its innovative Plymouth Plan is a finalist for the Excellence in Plan Making Practice Award for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2015.
The plan was launched in summer 2013 and is not only the city’s development plan, it replaces over 100 existing strategies, ranging from the city’s strategy for health, children and young people, culture, transport and the economy.
The project has been led by the Council’s planning department which has been working closely with other departments as well as over 30 different city organisations.
But most importantly, thousands of people have had their say in how they want the city to be in years to come by attending over 60 public events including debates, chatting sessions on the Plymouth Plan sofa, which appeared in locations across the city.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet member for the Environment said: “This is great news and a tribute to all the people who are passionate about the future of this city to took time to make the plan what it is.
“We knew it was groundbreaking – the plan has reached parts of Plymouth that others have failed. By getting people involved in fun ways, talking and making long term planning something everyone can do – not just council officers and councillors – we are changing the relationship between the Council and residents for the better.
“It’s great to be recognised for this – and it’s good for the city.”
The shortlisting comes just as a video is posted on the Council’s website to remind people to get involved in the next stage of the plan as an interactive version is being developed to encourage people to explore different parts of the plan.
For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthplan
The RTPI represents 23,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards. The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run for over 30 years to recognise planning excellence.
This year’s headline sponsor is AECOM with other sponsors and supporters including Bilfinger GVA, The Planner, Planning Aid England and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Janet Askew, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute said: “The shortlist reflects the very best planning projects, strategies and processes that are helping to make great places for people to live and work. The 80 finalists highlight exceptional examples of planning that have made an impact and brought considerable benefits. It will be a tremendous challenge picking individual category winners from such a high quality field.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in July.
