Building a Better Tomorrow: Town Planning for Future Generations
08 Jan, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What town planning is.
- Why it is important to consider future generations in town planning.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
Town planning plays an important role in ensuring that there is economic and social prosperity for residents within local communities. Whilst the effects of town planning are essential for the health and happiness of those living and working in towns today, it’s essential that the decisions made by local authorities and Town Planners are also made with future generations in mind.
In our latest blog, we’re exploring why it is important for the town planning sector to consider future generations.
What is town planning?
Town planning refers to the process of developing sustainable and efficient communities through the management of land use across the UK.
Town planning exists in order to ensure that the social, economic and ecological requirements of communities are met and to tackle the demands for housing, infrastructure and environmental protection across the nation.
Through the preparation of policies, frameworks and local plans, used to guarantee that developments are aligning with national, regional and governmental targets, town planning aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and safeguard local environments for future generations.
The main elements of town planning include the preservation of green spaces, the design of infrastructure and zoning land for specific uses.
Throughout the UK, local authorities play a central role within town planning and act as important decision-makers when it comes to deciding how land will be utilised and developed.
Outlining the strategic vision for future development and approving or rejecting planning applications is essential for local authorities to ensure that proposals comply with national policies and will benefit communities in the future.
The focus on sustainability continues to be an important priority for local authorities to ensure they are aligning with the UK governments aim to be carbon-neutral by 2050.
Why is it important to consider future generations in town planning?
Local authorities and Town Planners have an important responsibility to ensure that the decisions they make and activities they carry out are done so with future generations in mind. The decisions they make are important to future generations for the following reasons:
- Population growth.
- Quality of life.
- Climate resilience.
- Social equity.
- Economic prosperity.
Population growth
The UK population is estimated to reach 70 million in 2026. For this reason, town planning should be carried out with the needs of a growing population in mind and how this might affect future generations.
In order to cater for a growing population, town planning should anticipate not only future housing, but the service needs of communities such as healthcare, emergency services and waste management.
Planning recruitment specialist, Josh Draycott, says, “If town planning doesn’t consider the population growth within the UK this might mean that in the future there is overcrowding, a lack of resources and a poor quality of life for residents.”
Quality of life
Enhancing the quality of life for local communities should remain a priority for Town Planners and local authorities, who determine the role of town planning within their geographical location.
As well as creating new infrastructure, forward-thinking town planning should focus on improving green spaces, healthcare facilities and cultural amenities. These elements all play a role in fostering healthy, happy and balanced communities where all residents have equal access to such amenities.
The UK’s Levelling-Up scheme is a government initiative designed to support local infrastructure and drive economic recovery across the UK to ensure a high quality of life for all, regardless of geographical location.
Climate resilience
As the UK government's carbon-zero target continues to be a primary objective, the need to tackle climate change is as important as ever.
Town planning should do what it can to mitigate the impacts of climate change, operate in a sustainable manner and create resilient infrastructure that can withstand the long-term effects of climate change.
For example, flood defenses and the use of green energy can help to reduce costs associated with climate change and therefore benefit future generations.
Social equity
Ensuring social equity is important within town planning and can be achieved through affordable housing, inclusive community areas and public transport that can be accessed by everyone.
Social equity amongst communities means that every individual should have equal access to amenities and can help to make sure that future generations will benefit from the resources provided through town planning.
Economic prosperity
Through the development and investment within businesses, infrastructure and transport links, town planning helps to ensure that future generations will have access to a prosperous economy and job markets that provide exciting opportunities for employment.
Transport links are essential for ensuring that future generations are able to travel at an affordable price and helps to enhance their employment prospects by allowing them to journey further afield.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Planning recruitment services
As planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with our planning specialist, Josh Draycott, on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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