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