The role community participation has to play:
Planning matters to people. The way decisions are made influences people’s trust in local democracy and whether they feel at home in their communities.
At its best, the planning process is participative, open, and inclusive. It meets the needs and aspirations of all sections of society. This requires a democratic framework that empowers everybody to take part in decisions affecting their lives. The TCPA has always understood this to be part of having a democratic and just society, it too often the system undermines it.
How the TCPA works to achieve democracy and social justice in planning
The TCPA has worked for decades with government and the private sector making the case for meaningful public participation. This is informed by our expertise in stewardship, giving communities control over the legacy of their neighbourhoods.
We also directly support communities getting engaged in planning. This includes our partnership with Planning Aid for London (PAL), which is expanding its advice and training services with our support.
The resources below can be divided in two categories. The first include resources for community groups and individuals who want to know how planning works and how they can get involved. The second are primarily aimed at planning practitioners who want to know how planning can deliver outcomes that benefit all communities and incorporate everyone’s needs and views.
Become a member
Join our community of members to access our archive of recordings from past climate related webinars and workshops and receive discounts on future events.
Resources

Response to government proposals to reform plan making in England
The TCPA's response to the government's proposed reforms to the local plan making system.

Rising to the climate change challenge: The role of housing and planning within local councils
This report by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), researched and written by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), considers the important role of local councils in tackling climate change, with an emphasis on their responsibilities in relation to housing and planning.

News & Blog

Living Locally: The role of housing and planning within local councils
New report highlights that local living needs national backing: Despite clear evidence on the benefits of complete, compact and connected…

Unleashing the potential of ‘held back’ places
TCPA Vice President Peter Hetherington describes the challenges faced by ‘held back’ areas. If not Levelling Up, what will help?

Icons, Tears and Hope in Barrow Hill
TCPA Policy Director, Hugh Ellis, reflects on the campaign to save St Andrew’s Church, Barrow Hill