Localism in Practice - Bottom(s) Up?

The 12th Bristol Planning Law and Policy Conference and Dinner was held on Thursday, 24th November 2011 at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre.

With the Coalition Government now almost 18 months old and the Localism Bill and the National Planning Policy Framework progressing through Parliament, this Conference looked at how the promised changes to policy and law will make a difference to the effectiveness of planners and planning to deliver the development we as a nation need as we emerge from the recession.

The Conference heard from Bob Neill, who addressed this Conference two years ago when in Opposition - with the latest news from the Communities and Local Government department, as Planning Minister. Colin Skellett, Chair of the West of England LEP, started the day, and was followed by Stephen Tromans, QC, from 39 Essex Street Chambers, Steve Quartermain, Chief Planner to CLG, David Waterhouse of JBP PR & Parliamentary Affairs. There were also three speakers presenting different models of Neighbourhood Plans in Action : Sarah O’Driscoll, Bristol City Council, Hilary Jordan from West Dorset and Dr Peter Gresch from Berne in Switzerland.

The dinner was very well attended, with the added benefit of hearing from former Deputy Prime Minster and Secretary of State for the CLG, now Lord Prescott, as the after-dinner speaker.

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