24 C O N T E X T 1 0 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 8 had given a commitment to the building of ecotowns. How would these new settlements interact with existing settlements?Would they be able to stand alone as individual communities or was this an unachievable aspiration? Should we be even thinking in terms of individual communities? These questions, and many like them, were a result of and a driver for planning professionals to become reflective about their role. Planning was becoming less development control and more a means to connect the construction of new homes with the utilities and services they required in a sustainable way. The fact that the Planning Act 1990 could not deal with this shift had led to the position we were now in. Climate change was not the only consideration when thinking about sustainability. We also had to think about the sustainability of communities in terms of business, social housing and the national economy, for example, which could be seen in the various reports commissioned by the government over the past few years.These reports had shown that there was pressure on the planning system from multifarious directions. Smith used this introduction to make it clear that we, as conservation professionals, were fully part of this wider context. We should see the draft Heritage Protection Bill as part of the new toolbox to enable a flexible approach to creating and maintaining sustainable communities. The current situation in the housing market meant new build was unviable and the government’s targets would be heavily affected. Smith saw this as a good example of the realities of policy change and the inevitable long-term implementation. He used the analogy of trying to steer an oil tanker.The dilemma was that conditions change before the action has been completed; that the long-term direction change was affected by the short-term realities. Smith maintained that it remained for us, as professionals, to be vigilant. Rather like hippy parents, we should give good advice, step back, let the ministers make their own mistakes and help pick up the pieces afterwards. This is my own view and perhaps a little harsh, but Smith’s view is a positive one. As an important part of a huge expertise resource we can advise government and we should continue to make our voices heard. Government can now appreciate the complexities of the planning system.This is down to the part played by the continuing working relationship between the IHBC, RTPI, and other professional institutes who together have consistently replied to government consultation requests. The fruits of these labours can be seen and we must continue to advise the government if we are to be masters of our own destinies. Smithwent on to outline the headlines in the Planning Bill. He said the RTPI was adamant that improving the planning system depended on getting the new national policy statements right. It was imperative that the IHBC, RTPI and the other professional institutes continued to work closely together and engage in IHBC Annual School 2008 IHBC Annual School 2008 IHBC Annual School 2008 Walking groups around Odiham were conducted by local residents. This group looked at design and new build. (Photo: Fiona Newton) Day school class: Project Development and Area Inverventions by Ros Kerslake of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust
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