Arun’s planning ‘excellence’ is praised

The council’s strategic plan has been shortlisted by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for planning excellence.

The awards celebrate the very best in planning and will be contested by 63 projects and consultancies produced by local authorities across 10 different categories.

Karl Roberts, assistant director of planning and economic regeneration at Arun District Council said he was overjoyed by the council’s nomination.

He said: “As a team we are thrilled that our plan has been recognised by this prestigious awarding body, especially as the standard was particularly high this year.

“Our nomination also recognises the excellent work of our partners, in successfully recognising key issues of housing, infrastructure, our local economy and attractiveness for investment by key bodies such as Coast to Capital Local Enterprise and the Government.”

Chairing the panel of 24 expert judges is Sir Terry Farrell, author of the recent Farrell Review, a UK Government-commissioned review of architecture and the built environment.

Sir Terry said: “The standard of entries to the RTPI Awards for planning excellence is extremely impressive and a credit to the profession. This is the second year I have chaired the judging and I am proud to say that once again our shortlist reflects the very best planning projects, strategies and processes that are helping to make great places for people to live and work.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at The Shaw Theatre in the Pullman London St Pancras, on June 23.

The Silver Jubilee Cup, the UK’s top planning prize, will also be presented on the night.