Jessica Hird, STAT Planning’s Principal Planner was honoured to attend the RTPI Presidential Visit in the East Midlands this week, joining RTPI President, Helen Fadipe MBE, as part of her regional tour.
As the winner of the RTPI East Midland’s Young Planner of the Year, Jessica was invited to take part in the day and reflect on the vital role planning professionals play in shaping sustainable and inclusive places. The visit provided the opportunity to see two outstanding examples of planning in action:-
New Lubbesthorpe
This remarkable new settlement demonstrates best practice in placemaking, community engagement, and long-term stewardship. Delegates heard from the Trusts agent and planning consultant on how the planning process and acting as a Trust worked alongside the challenges. We also heard from the remarkable Lubbesthorpe Alive, the Leicester based company whose hard work has been instrumental in fostering a thriving community.
Everards of Leicestershire
A brilliant example of investment, Everards showcases how heritage can be blended with innovative design and sustainable infrastructure by planning for the future generations through investment. We had a brewery tour and a presentation from the architects who shared valuable insights into the planning process on the project.
Key Takeaways
From the day’s discussions, a few important themes emerged:
- The need to properly resource community liaison so that places can truly flourish.
- The real cashflow challenges that conditions and Section 106 requirements can create for delivery.
- The importance of planning permissions reflecting placemaking rather than simply focusing on process.
The RTPI president closed the visit with inspiring reflections on her three key themes: collaboration, investment, and inclusivity.
We are proud that Jessica was able to participate in such a significant event, and to have the chance to represent the next generation of planners in our region.