As part of the Government's renewed focus on strategic planning, questions are being raised about how cross-boundary collaboration and large-scale sub-regional strategies will shape housing, infrastructure, and economic growth in the coming years. With the proposed amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the expected Planning Bill later in 2024, local authorities, civic societies, and combined authorities are keen to understand the practical implications for their communities.

Join Ian Harvey and Catriona Riddell, a recognised strategic planning expert, for a discussion on the potential ideas for the new Government’s latest approach to strategic planning and what this means for community engagement, local plans, and cross-boundary cooperation. Together, they’ll explore what these reforms mean and how civic societies and communities can play a meaningful role in shaping the strategic vision.

The discussion will also explore the critical role that combined authorities will play in driving strategic planning at a regional scale. Civic societies have a unique opportunity to influence these strategies by advocating for community needs and ensuring that civic voices are actively involved and consulted. The session will also consider how civic societies can partner and organise with combined authorities to bring a stronger, community-focused perspective into sub-regional planning and development.