For Immediate Release:
Fiona Howie, Chief-Executive of the TCPA, has responded to the launch of the Building Beautiful Places plan, announced by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. She said:
It is positive that the Secretary of State has recognised the importance of high quality places in which communities and the environment can thrive – rather than focusing solely on housing numbers. As he said in his speech, poor quality homes have profound impacts on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
We look forward to better understanding the full role and remit of the Office for Place. However, there still seem to be important parts of the Building Better, Building Beautiful report, which Robert Jenrick was so complimentary about, that have not been addressed in the speeches and announcements to date. These include the emphasis the Commission placed on long term stewardship if we want places to be renewed, regenerated and cared for. And their proposition that meaningful standards for design and place-making should be applied to permitted development rights. These still need to be addressed if communities, supported by local authorities, are to truly be able to take the lead.
Notes:
- The Town and Country Planning Association works to challenge, inspire and support people to create healthy, sustainable and resilient places where everyone can thrive.
- For more on the TCPA’s work on planning reform in England, click here.
- For further information or comment, please contact [email protected] or call +44 20 8132 5455
