Training Programmes

Design in Planning Applications: how to add value

All planners are familiar with applications which are "acceptable" but which they feel somehow miss out on the opportunity to make a real, positive difference. However, it is not always easy to come up with practical suggestions for improvements to put to applicants. This extremely popular workshop is designed to help participants with this problem. It is uniquely related to design issues at the scale of everyday application work. The workshop aims to: demystify the design process; equip participants with an understanding of some basic elements of "good" urban design; explore what is meant by "sense of place" and how this can be translated into contemporary design; consider some of the techniques that can be used when assessing the design merits of a proposal; and exchange ideas on how planners can work positively with designers towards an improved end product. No specialist design knowledge is needed.

Download a leaflet/booking form here            Make a provisional booking on this workshop.

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS:

"The workshop came highly recommended and I certainly was not disappointed. Thorough without becoming too technical and an excellent balance between presentation and participation. Most enlightening."

Stuart Spears, Basildon District Council

"A good recap of basics and explanation of how to put these into practice. Lots of excellent examples brought the topic to life and I appreciated the practical elements. It’s left me with lots to think about. Thank you."

Liz Adams, East Dorset District Council

"Very useful re-cap from my previous design course and an update. Relevant to current major pre-app discussions especially re public realm considerations. "

Heather Morrison, Copeland Borough Council