What we do
We aim to improve the delivery of good quality design through the planning system.
Promenade of Lights, London. Photo by Jane Sebire.
We work to embed design in national policy and local development frameworks as well as building confidence in local authorities to ensure good quality design is delivered. This includes working with local planning authorities, local councillors, government, the Planning Inspectorate and other organisations.
One of the most important tasks that planners face is to produce a core strategy as part of the local development framework, which is vital in helping to deliver quality. As a result, we have focused our work on exploring how to embed design as part of the core strategy.
CABE’s planning work
Our planning work includes:
- holding core strategy workshops with local authorities
- working with organisations such as Planning Advisory Service and Planning Aid to disseminate learning
- working with the Planning Inspectorate to increase Inspector understanding and confidence when dealing with design matters
- developing the design skills of councillors
- responding to Government consultations and reviews.
Other parts of our work that relate to planning include:
How this fits with other planning advice
Communities and Local Government (CLG) provides four main routes for advice and guidance in the planning system:
- CABE
- The Planning Advisory Service (PAS)
- The Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS)
- HCA Academy.
CABE
CABE provides independent advice and scrutiny on well designed buildings, places and spaces. CABE provides guidance, advice and direct support to local authorities across England on design quality:
- design review
- local development frameworks
- spatial strategies / strategic urban design frameworks
- green space / public realm strategies
- masterplans
- public buildings
- design and development procurement and delivery
- environmental sustainability
- design standards including Building for Life
Planning Advisory Service (PAS)
The Planning Advisory Service helps planning authorities and their partners make good plans and deliver good development. It supports local government and its partners to:
- build confidence in and understanding of the planning system through events, materials and case studies
- respond and adapt to change by providing tailored planning tools, support and training for officers and councillors
- integrate spatial planning into strategies and investment programmes by focusing beyond planning departments and planners
- deliver timely and useful spatial plans by promoting good practice and innovation Continuously improve the effectiveness, responsiveness and efficiency of the planning function through support and onsite advice
Visit the Planning Advisory Service’s website at www.pas.gov.uk.
Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS)
The Advisory Team for Large Applications provides free independent support to local planning authorities and partners who are faced with large scale, complex planning projects. Its staff have extensive planning experience, including specialists in engineering, sustainability, urban design and social infrastructure.
ATLAS provides advice and hands-on support on areas from project management to specific technical issues. This support helps those involved to work through and resolve complex issues, improving both the quality of the process and the outcomes.
Visit the ATLAS website at www.atlasplanning.com.
HCA Academy
The HCA Academy (formerly Academy for Sustainable Communities) provides:
- skills support to public-private partnerships
- carbon management and cohesion programmes
- planning for non-planners for councils
- recession workshops
- support to improve leadership of places
Visit the HCA Academy website at http://skills.homesandcommunities.co.uk.