Localism and Planning in the UK

RICS response to Land and Society Commission recommendations

RICS responded to the Land and Society Commission's recommendations on 13th September at an event at RICS Headquarters. Bob Neill MP, Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government welcomed the work of RICS in driving forward the Commission's recommendations.

Colin Haylock, Senior Vice President of the Royal Town Planning Institute added cross industry support to the response. Micheal Pyner, CEO of the Shoreditch Trust also commended the report. The response sets out the steps being taken to ensure the property industry supports communities to take on additional powers and responsibilities in the context of the government's plan for localism in England.

If have any questions or comments on the work of the Commission or on RICS' response please email landandsocietycommission@rics.org

Background 

RICS established an Independent Commission to examine how to equip communities to fully embrace their emerging land and property roles in the context of localism and the Big Society.

This is in line with the RICS Royal Charter objective of 'securing the optimal use of land and associated assets in meeting social and economic needs'.

The Land and Society Commission, chaired by Trevor Beattie, embarked on a four month evidence-gathering exercise calling for evidence from relevant witnesses with expertise in community action, the built environment and local government, both in the form of written and oral evidence sessions and a community group workshop.

The Commission received over 50 written responses with compelling evidence from the voluntary, public and private sector.

Report Launch

The final Land and Society Commission Report was launched at an event at RICS Headquarters on 25th May 2011.

The report makes 24 direct and practical recommendations to government, policy makers and land and property sector bodies as to how to help empower communities to shape and manage their neighbourhoods.

The Commission seeks to promote long-term, cultural change in the way the property profession interacts with communities.

View Land and Society Commission best practice examples

External Coverage

Planning Resource : RICS suggests 'rethink' over role of planners in localism agenda

Investor Today: Property industry urged to support communities

Inside Housing: Property industry should support communities

Property talk: Property industry urged to support communities

Property Week: Developers must take care of the community

Lord Lytton: Localism Bill, Second Reading - House of Lords

For more information

e mthorogood@rics.org