A new WPA report authored by Professor Tony Travers from LSE London, explores the breakdown of public trust in planning and development and ideas for how the industry and policymakers should respond.
Professor Travers looks at the context for the poor public perception of the sector at a time when real estate is a major funder of affordable housing and public services for London. Amongst his recommendations he suggests:
A larger role for politicians in explaining the trade-offs in the planning system and how new development pays for infrastructure
Developers engaging with local communities at an earlier stage to better understand local concerns and needs
Greater transparency in the planning system particularly in relation to developer contributions
This paper is published at an important time for the industry and as the City of Westminster is proposing major changes to its City Plan and planning services.
Although this paper does not represent official WPA policy, and we do not endorse all points raised within, we hope it promotes discussion and debate amongst WPA members and our stakeholders.
