RTPI Bulletin Board

Planning, 4 April 2008

Former RTPI deputy secretary-general Robert Williams died on 18 January in Sherborne, Dorset, aged 87. Williams served as deputy to Philip Rathbone and then David Fryer for 14 years - predecessors to current secretary-general Robert Upton - until his retirement in 1980. Fryer's wife Carol describes him as her husband's "prop and stay" when he first joined the institute in 1976.

His great organisational abilities, honed by his previous career in the army, were invaluable during his management of the relocation of RTPI headquarters from Ashley Place to Portland Place. He served in the Indian army before and during the Second World War, commanding one of the Gurkha regiments. He was captured in north Africa and having escaped from an Italian prisoner of war camp when Mussolini was overthrown, he was hidden by villagers before finally crossing the lines to reach the Allied forces. In 1948, the Indian army was merged with British army and Williams reached the rank of lieutenant colonel before he retired.

Williams regularly attended the RTPI Planning Awards lunches, the last time in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, a son, Richard, and two daughters, Patricia and Sarah.

- RTPI warns homeowners over planning permission breach dangers

Homeowners will spend more than £1.6 billion on major alterations to their homes this summer, according to the RTPI. Easter is the unofficial start of the renovation season and the institute is urging people to get good advice before starting work. The number of first-timers is predicted to increase as a result of the credit crunch, with more people choosing to renovate rather than move house.

More than 160,000 homeowners are expected to seek planning permission for improvements over the next six months. On average, they will spend £10,320 each. The institute stresses that failure to check first can lead to difficulties. Last year, enforcement notices for breaches of planning guidelines were issued to around 2,700 home improvers. In most cases, rectifying a breach of planning control will add significantly to the cost of a project and, in some cases, can lead to a fine or an order demanding the owner undo the renovation work.

- Kilmarnock conservation guide heads up Scottish awards winners

The Kilmarnock conservation area maintenance guide was the overall winner in the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, which are run jointly by the Scottish Government and the RTPI. The guide provides property owners with practical advice on enhancing the historic environment, such as dealing with defects on their properties and organising repairs. Scottish Government finance secretary John Swinney said: "These awards demonstrate the range of exciting planning and design initiatives around Scotland. Planning has a crucial role to play in helping the Scottish Government achieve its aim of increasing sustainable economic growth." Other award winners included Baxter Park in Dundee and the Carrick golf resort development in Loch Lomond.

- Institute calls for focus on minor works in latest applications review

The success of the government's recently announced review of the planning application system will rely on a thorough understanding of the current system, the RTPI believes (Planning, 28 March, p1). Speed should not be the only criterion against which the planning process is judged, according to policy director Rynd Smith: "It is important that decisions are made promptly. But the planning system should be judged by the quality of its outcomes, not just the speed with which those outcomes are delivered."

The RTPI acknowledges, however, that there is room to streamline applications and improve the decision-making process. "We share the government's desire to reduce paperwork and would welcome a more proportional approach to planning," Smith says. He points to the RTPI's submission to the Barker review, which called on the government to make it easier for householders and businesses to carry out improvements by scrapping the need to gain planning permission for minor works that have little or no impact on neighbouring properties. This approach warrants further examination, Smith suggests.

EVENTS

Planning Your Future in Planning

16 April. RTPI West Midlands. Birmingham City University, Birmingham.

This informal afternoon session is aimed at students considering planning as a career, those who have recently started work as planners and licentiates working towards RTPI assessment of professional competence. It will give them the opportunity to find out what the institute has to offer and how to become a chartered town planner. There will be time to ask questions and to chat over a drink afterwards.

Cost: Free. Booking essential.

For more information, please email westmidlands@rtpi.org.uk

Climate Change and Energy Management

22 April. RTPI East of England. The Assembly House, Norwich.

This conference aims to reflect on what the planning and climate change supplement to PPS1 means for those involved in tackling climate change.

Cost: £100 + VAT.

For further information, please email eastofengland@rtpi.org.uk

North West Regional Spatial Strategy workshop

22 April. RTPI North West. North West Regional Assembly, Lancashire.

This one-day event aims to explore some of the implications of North West Regional Spatial Strategy following its adoption.

Cost: £99.87; £20 for unemployed and students.

For further information, please email northwest@rtpi.org.uk

Planning for Housing - Three Million Extra Homes by 2020?

23 April. RTPI North East. Newcastle.

This seminar will explore the opportunities and constraints in planning for the government's target level of house building, with a particular focus on the North East.

Cost: £99.

For further information, please email northeast@rtpi.org.uk.