East Suffolk Council
Planning For Real [S/E]
Planning For Real gives a large number of people a voice in decisions affecting their neighbourhood/community. The key piece of equipment in Planning For Real is a three-dimensional model of the chosen area (a town, village or neighbourhood) on which problems and potential improvements are identified through the placement of cards.
The model and cards are a focal point and encourage feedback, suggestions, comments and an exchange of different perspectives. Planning For Real has three stages:
Step by Step Approach:
- Step 1: One or more community organisations (e.g. a local club or school students) make the model. The model should be transportable so that it can be used in different community venues.
- Step 2: Training sessions with a few local residents to familiarise them with the Planning For Real process so that they can lead and support meetings and workshops.
- Step 3: Public meetings in large community venues. Participants view the model from all angles and place cards or small flags on it to identify their issues of concern. Business and public sector stakeholders can attend to see and hear local people’s needs/ideas, and answer specific questions.
As a programme of Planning For Real meetings/events progresses, ideas about the best way to tackle the community issues identified will emerge and working groups can be formed to agree priorities and develop a detailed community action plan.