Six areas of influence

Decisions about design are made in many different circumstances. They are not just about planning applications, but about how the elements of a place combine to create a working whole.

Nottingham: simple intervention turns streets into popular spaces. Photo by David Millington Photography Ltd

Large scale planning

Your influence over design involves understanding how different themes and activities can be brought together to make better places. It also involves taking a new approach to working with others beyond the local authority boundary.

Town centres

The decisions you take can make the difference between a successful town centre and a declining one, with an impact across the whole area.

Housing

Housing conditions will always feature in your caseload, but your involvement could reduce problems for the future.

School design

Whether you’re building a new school or refurbishing an existing one, it’s vital to get the most out of investment.

Green spaces

Parks and green spaces can help to make a place successful or create a sense of neglect. There is a direct link between the quality of public space in an area and public satisfaction with the local authority that manages it.

Streets and squares

The state of local streets and squares is bound to be high on the list of your constituents’ concerns. Simple interventions can turn streets into popular public spaces in their own right.