Mediation in Planning Leonora Rozee Chair of NPF/PINS project National Planning Forum 23 June 2010

Funders and supporters NPF, PINS, PAS - funding TCPA, BPF, Law Society - venues Steering Group members - expertise and advice Mediators and all those involved in mediations Individual expressions of support

Evidence streams – Mediation of live planning cases (AAP, enforcement and major development); – Completed planning and related mediations; – Relevant literature and practice; – Review of cases where mediation didn’t take place after initial expression of interest; – Role of HCA ATLAS work in supporting the delivery of major development; – Role of Planning Aid; – Survey of Local Authority Chief Planning Officers; – Survey of a range of experts in the planning field

Key Findings - Barriers Need for clear definition Significance of language Importance of neutrality Availability of expertise Timing: impact on delivering quick decisions Relationship to democratic process Role of elected members

Key Findings Barriers (2) Balance of power Planning culture Need for appropriate support Diversity Funding

Key Findings - Opportunities New tool to support Government agenda for a radically different planning system Increased interest in use of mediation in planning Mediation embedded in civil justice system Potential to save money and time

Recommendations Develop and build a market for mediation - a delivery strategy - cost-benefit models including non-monetary benefits - ongoing pilots - promotional material - monitoring of take-up Provide advice and guidance - develop practical guidance - advice and guidance on mediator skills

Recommendations Develop skills and create capacity - embed mediation in policy - ensure planning procedures allow time to mediate - encourage existing mediation providers - identify funding opportunities - support establishment of community mediation - provide bespoke training packages on mediation for all sectors

Next steps Launch at the NPF stand at the RTPI Convention 1.30pm Tuesday 29 June - all NPF members are invited Ongoing communication - via press release, publication of the report on the NPF and PINS external websites, and dissemination at conferences etc including Planning Summer School in September