Just Space Network conference

Just Space Network conference – The next steps for community groups in influencing London Planning

This year over 50 community organisations played an unprecedented role in challenging the strategic plans for London, encouraged and supported by the Just Space Network. One aspect of this work has been to enlist
support from the academic and research communities in London. This has connected with debates about the role of academics outside the academy

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Aims of the Conference:
1. For community groups to evaluate and reflect upon:
– the Examination in Public (EiP) of the London Plan;
– what has been achieved – especially in light of the EiP Panel Report published in early May;
– what the prospects/challenges now are, including London Plan implementation.

2. For the academic community to reflect upon:-
– the support given by students and staff during the EiP process;
– the research they are engaging in now which can add weight to arguments being made by community groups;
– future research to make an impact on the ground and to underpin greater democracy in London planning.

3. To consider next steps, for example:-
– developing alternative plans and policies;
– making an impact on the public debate;
– further collaborations between community groups and academics;
– finding resources for all this.

Morning Plenary – Taking Stock:
Professor Mark Tewdwr-Jones (UCL) “Alternative agendas and futures for Planning in London”.

Community speakers will reflect on the London Plan EiP experience and summarise what happened on key issues.

Afternoon Plenary – Next Steps:
What we are engaging in now and what is needed in the future.

Presentation from Just Space Network on neighbourhood planning.

Researchers will speak on how collaboration with community organisations informs their work.

Afternoon Workshops:
Regeneration outcomes, Economic agendas, the Environment, London’s Transport, Housing crises, Participation and Justice.

To be led by a community speaker, alongside a researcher active in the field. The main purpose of the workshops is to consider next steps – how do we challenge current agendas and what forward strategies can community groups adopt?

Closing Plenary:
Consideration of specific proposals for next steps.
Community speakers will include: Friends of the Earth, Friends of Queen’s Market, Haringey Federation of Residents Associations, Hayes
and Harlington Community Forum, London Forum of Civic and Amenity Societies, London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, London Tenants Federation, Regents Network, Spitalfields Community Association, Wards Corner Community Coalition.