Just neighbourhoods? Under-representation in UK community-led planning
This project will investigate community-led planning across all four nations of the UK, focusing on local areas where take-up of these initiatives is less common.
About
Community-led planning refers to land-use or spatial planning activities led (or at least guided) by community members rather than planning professionals. It is aimed at mobilising local communities to help shape the future of their neighbourhood.
Despite the urgent need for greater social and environmental justice, the connection between democratising planning in this way and delivering just outcomes is unclear. Concerns have been raised about representation, inclusion and accountability, particularly in places where community-led planning has generally been less successful.
This project will investigate community-led planning across all four nations of the UK, focusing on local areas where take-up of these initiatives is less common.
Key facts
- Start date: September 2023
- End date: February 2026
- Funding amount and funder: £269,614. Nuffield Foundation
Aims
- To explore understandings of social and environmental justice among selected communities across the UK
- To examine the nature of representation and inclusivity within community-led planning spaces and its relationship with outcomes
- To understand how the design, process, and practice of community-led planning shapes the forms and outcomes of activity
- To assess the added value community-led planning exhibits in relation to social and environmental justice outcomes
- To disseminate best practice guidance to communities, government, and others involved in shaping and practising community-led planning.
Project team
- Professor Gavin Parker, University of Reading
- Professor John Sturzaker, University of Hertfordshire
- Dr Tessa Lynn, University of Reading