Yorkshire Planning Aid
Free, independent planning advice and assistance for individuals and community groups in Yorkshire and the Humber
What is Planning Aid?
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional advice on town and country planning issues to community groups and individuals who cannot afford to pay a planning consultant. Planning Aid also works with community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to help them understand the planning process and influence changes in their local area.
Planning Aid is not part of central or local government, but is an independent source of advice and information which complements the assistance given by Local Authorities.
Yorkshire Planning Aid is linked to a network of Planning Aid Services throughout the Country, and is part of the Royal Town Planning Institute, a Registered Charity.
Yorkshire Planning Aid
Yorkshire Planning Aid has been operating in the region for several years, and has successfully established a number of innovative projects. From December 2003 the service has been able to expand its work, thanks to financial support from the ODPM and the Big Lottery, and is engaging in a development programme with two main aims:
- Building the planning capacity of disadvantaged communities & assisting them to shape their physical, social & economic environment
- Developing an expanded and more sustainable network of Planning Aid services capable of identifying, engaging & responding effectively to the needs of disadvantaged communities
This programme will be achieved through the provision of a Planning Advice Service and a Community Planning Service.
Planning Advice Service
A telephone helpline staffed by a qualified caseworker is available for people needing planning advice - see Helpline details below. Initial advice will be given to everyone but people who can afford to pay or who will benefit financially from their planning application, will be referred on to a planning consultant. A list of Planning Consultants can be supplied by Yorkshire Planning Aid on request or you can get this information from the RTPI website (this will open a new browser window).
For general enquiries about planning law, procedures and regulations the caseworker may be able to give an immediate answer or basic information. However, more complex enquiries will be passed on to one of the qualified Planning Aid volunteers who will contact the client to provide advice and support by phone, letter or in person depending on their enquiry.
The Advice Service can give independent information and support on a range of planning issues, including:
- Which people to contact about a planning problem;
- Understanding & using the planning system;
- Commenting on planning applications;
- Applying for planning permission or appealing against refusal of permission;
- Appearing at Public Inquiries.
Although the service is free-of-charge to people who cannot afford to pay for a Planning Consultant, Yorkshire Planning Aid may ask for payment towards some costs such as purchasing maps or documents.
Yorkshire Planning Aid's Planning Advice Helpline:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
9 am to 4 pm
Tel: 0870 850 9808
Email: ykcw@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
Community Planning
Yorkshire Planning Aid is not just an advice service. They also provide an exciting programme of community planning, training and education activities.
This programme is aimed at helping groups and individuals, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to understand the planning system and influence what happens in their local area.
Key elements of the programme include:
- Information events and presentations.
- Advice and assistance on contributing to local development plans.
- Helping communities to develop their own strategies, including parish plans.
- Training on the planning system and development plans.
- Educational projects with school children and young people.
For community Planning, contact Mike Dando on 01943 465870 or email mike.dando@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
Further Information
Regional Co-ordinator
Yorkshire Planning Aid
The Green Sand Foundry
Website (this will open a new browser window): Planning Aid
May 2006
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