Ask not what the planning system can do for you - ask what can it do for our country?

Yes I know...a desperate misquoting of JFK!

The planning profession plays a pivotal role in shaping our towns, cities, and countryside, ensuring that they are not only functional and beautiful but also sustainable and economically viable.

We stand at a crucial point on the verge of a likely change in Government with mounting pressures to address a housing crisis and the urgent need to boost economic productivity. In my opinion the importance of investing in local planning authorities cannot be overstated.

Hidden (sadly) behind the membership firewall of the The Planner RTPI A new report by the Royal Town Planning Institute RTPI and Public First , titled "The Planning Premium: The Value of Well-made Places", underscores the vast economic potential that well-supported planning can unlock.

Unveiling the "Planning Premium"

Published yesterday, the report finds that good town planning could lead to a "planning premium" of over £70 billion of additional value if applied to the government's housing targets over the next two Parliaments. This figure could rise to as much as £90 billion if higher housing targets were to be achieved.

These staggering numbers highlight the significant economic benefits that effective planning can deliver.

The report, arrives at a crucial juncture as politicians across the UK campaign ahead of the general election on 4 July. In truth it is nice to see the Institute leading the discussion.

With housing at the forefront of political agendas, the RTPI emphasises that well-resourced planning can help achieve housing targets while positively impacting the economic, social, and environmental needs of the UK's communities.

The Impact of Under Investment in Planning

It will come as no surprise to anyone working within the planning system to hear that public investment in planning services has been on the decline. The Institute's research published last November revealed a concerning trend: public expenditure on planning services in England, Scotland, and Wales has decreased in England from £1.4 billion in the 2009-10 financial year - down by 16 percent to £1.17 billion in 2022-23.

The report from Public First warns that if this under investment continues, the opportunities for realising the "planning premium" could be missed. It stresses that characteristics supporting the development of vibrant and safe communities—integral to the planning premium—could provide additional value of just under £50 billion over the next decade.

The Benefits of Investment in Planning

Victoria Hills, chief executive at the RTPI, highlights the critical role of planning in addressing the housing affordability crisis. She said,

"This report shows us the true value of planning when done well, and how it can deliver not just the housing the UK desperately needs, but provide value for money and quality of life to communities."

The economic benefits of well-supported planning extend beyond housing. If 50 percent of new housing were built within city boundaries, increasing density and delivering appropriately, this could lead to productivity growth worth £23 billion over the next ten years. This demonstrates how strategic planning can drive economic growth by creating well-connected, high-density urban areas that enhance productivity.

Planning as a Catalyst for Positive Change

Ed Dorrell, partner at Public First, adds, "This report demonstrates that there is nothing wrong with planning. Far from it. Used strategically, planning and planners can help the country build new places—and new homes—at a volume and quality that people need and want."

Planning, when properly resourced and supported, can be a powerful tool for national development. Planners can create dense, mixed-use, and well-connected communities that not only meet housing needs but also drive up productivity and economic prosperity.

The Call for Political Action

As the general election approaches, the findings of this report present a compelling case for political action. Investing in local planning authorities and ensuring they are adequately funded is not merely a bureaucratic necessity but a strategic imperative for national prosperity. It is heartening to see the Labour Party's plans for around 300 new LPA planners - BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH!

By enabling planners to do their jobs effectively, the UK can achieve its housing targets, boost economic productivity, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

The planning profession stands at the intersection of development, sustainability, and community well-being. The RTPI and Public First's report illustrates the immense economic potential of well-supported planning and the urgent need for increased investment in planning services.

By recognizing the value of the planning profession and committing to robust funding for local planning authorities, the UK can unlock billions of pounds in economic benefits, create vibrant and sustainable communities, and address the pressing challenges of housing and productivity. As the nation moves forward, let us champion the planning profession as a key driver of national prosperity and a cornerstone of our collective future.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Impact: Good planning can unlock a "planning premium" of over £70 billion, potentially rising to £90 billion with higher housing targets.
• Under investment: Declining public investment in planning services continues to threaten the realisation of these economic benefits.
• Housing and Productivity: Strategic planning can address housing needs and drive productivity growth, adding significant value to the economy.
• Political Imperative: Increased funding for planning authorities is essential for achieving national development goals and ensuring economic prosperity.

The full report, "The Planning Premium: The Value of Well-made Places", can be accessed on the Public First website. Let's set out the case for a well-resourced planning system that can deliver the economic, social, and environmental benefits our nation so desperately needs.