The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is launching a new Planning for non Planners course this autumn at a time of radical change in the planning system as the government implements its Localism agenda.

Fundamental changes to planning policy have been announced with further significant changes under consideration. These represent the largest changes in how our planning system works for sixty years. The government is seeking to encourage far greater involvement of local communities in decision making in their area and freeing local authorities to pursue their growth and other priorities. While the old system had its critics, it provided a set of clear criteria against which outcomes could be measured and benchmarked. The new and emerging system will allow far more discretion. It will challenge all those interested in the built environment, communities, design and regeneration. It lays down the challenge to professionals and residents to work together in ways that benefit their communities and the towns and cities in which they are situated.


Martin Winn, Director of Professional Development at CIH said: "Following the successful conclusion of discussions with the Homes and Communities Agency, I am delighted to announce that CIH will now provide housing professionals and those from other disciplines with a programme that will enable them to understand the new emerging planning system which will have such an important bearing on future housing developments throughout the country."

(CD)