Giving planners the lead in changes

Planning, 30 May 2008

This is a great time to be a planner. We have to be thick-skinned at times when it appears that the prime minister and Treasury apparently hold us responsible for the country's woes. These range from the general shortage of housing, particularly affordable homes, to obesity and climate change.

But it is just such issues that make the profession challenging and rewarding. Planning has traditionally been seen as something of an art form, seeking a balanced view of conflicting demands over the use of land. Tact, diplomacy and the ability to interpret evidence are the core skills involved.

But a more scientific approach is required. The issues need to be analysed more effectively and cohesive arguments presented to support the proposed solutions. Planners today have to be far more analytical in their approach to business. In my experience of graduate recruitment and professional competence assessment, this is not yet reflected in the early stages of training planners. This has to be tackled if we are to be considered a strong profession and gain the respect of those involved in shaping the built environment.

Certainly, we can always tap into the knowledge and experience of specialist advisers either in planning or other professions. But, with today's challenges, we need to be able to apply our own evaluation of the issues with a more forensic and scientific attitude to reach valid and effective conclusions.

There are two key areas of practice where a different approach is needed. First, as planners we need a better understanding of the science of climate change in terms of the causes and mitigation measures. There is a danger of planners being forced to adopt a quick-fix approach without being able to fully evaluate the long-term implications.

Second, planners need to be far more commercial in their approach to managing and leading on the built environment. A deeper understanding of the development process and particularly the financial consequences will ensure more effective delivery. This will strengthen planners' role when negotiating obligations and creating more deliverable regeneration policies.

We have a breadth of opportunity to take a specialist approach in our work, whether in planning law, environmental planning, retail planning, sustainable transport, housing or urban design. However, I would urge young planners to build up a solid grounding in general practice as this ensures that the advice in their field remains relevant and practical to spatial planning and place-making.

Keith Thomas is a chartered planner and surveyor and director with international real estate company DTZ. These are his own views, which he will present at the RTPI's Planning Convention 9-11 July. For more information, please visit www.planningconvention.com.