PLANNING FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES
(7 March 2005)

The planning system must make better provision for an increasingly diverse and dynamic population, planning minister Keith Hill said today. A new guide, 'Diversity and Equality in Planning', highlights good practice where planners across the country are leading the way and meeting the needs of their diverse communities. One case study is taken from Leicester where the Asian community makes up 30% of the population and has led to a radical approach in planning including keeping houses intact for extended Asian families.

Speaking at the National Planning Forum Annual Conference in London, the Minister said,"ignoring the planning needs of any sector of society - those with disabilities or those from ethnic minorities for example can exclude them from the benefits which good planning can provide. One example is where people with limited mobility are prevented from using a development fully. Local planners must recognise who is out there and what their needs are. That is the secret to planning for sustainable communities.

"The guide features good practice examples from a range of local planning authorities, highlighting 16 projects which have the potential to inspire others. I hope they will seize the opportunity to follow these examples or adapt the methods used to suit their own area."

One case study is taken from Leicester where the Asian community makes up 30% of the population and has led to a radical approach in planning:

* houses which were to be partitioned into flats were kept intact in order to meet the needs of extended Asian families;
* research revealed the high importance given to places of worship and ensure housing was close to them;
* a recruitment drive lead to Asian planners being recruited and trained; and,
* planners engaged with the Asian community by attending public meetings and spoke on Asian radio shows.

Most authorities agree that diversity is important, the planning community was looking for better guidance from the Government - until now there has been no clear guidance on how to identify people with differing needs or how to engage with them.

Keith Hill continued: "Local authorities need to communicate better with their communities. The guide can be used by authorities to help put together their Statements of Community Involvement required under the new Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Local Authority planners should also be more able to deliver on Best Value by serving their communities more effectively. The make up of communities can change over time and planning must be responsive to changing needs. This presents authorities with a real challenge I am sure they are committed to meeting."

The Guide demonstrates that some of the common barriers that can prevent people from engaging with the planning process include:

* too much technical jargon, leaflets printed in very small and hard to read typefaces, and/or in English only;
* meetings scheduled to suit planners - not necessarily to suit residents or other consultees;
* lack of proper physical access for people with mobility needs, including elderly people and parents with pushchairs; and, * bureaucracy and lack of transparency in decision-making.

The Guide is available from: ODPM Publications, PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. Tel: 0870 1226 236; email odpm@twoten.press.net (ISBN 1 85112 755 0; 18). Alternatively it may be found on the ODPM website.

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