RTPI's 5th Annual Update on Approaches to Open Space 2008

This conference will explore current approaches to the provision of the various types of open space.

  • There are no future dates confirmed for this event. Please contact us on 0845 833 3212. if you are interested in this event.



In association with the RTPI's Urban Design Network

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Why should you attend this conference

This workshop will explore current approaches to the provision of the various types of open space within urban and rural areas (play space, sports pitches, parks, nature conservation to name just a few). Also drawing on experience from a range of local initiatives, issues of management, community involvement and their relative success will be considered.

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Who should attend?

  • Local authority planners and environmentalists
  • Urban designers and architects
  • Commercial developers
  • Community organisations
  • Local authority parks and greenspace staff

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Benefits of attending

This conference will help you:

1. Understand the importance of green spaces and the public realm

2. Learn how to manage the pressures for development and the need for high quality open spaces

3. Benefit from examples and case studies on planning for successful open spaces

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Conference programme

9.00 Registration and coffee

9.30 Welcome and introduction by the Chair

Eileen Thomas, Divisional Director, Mott MacDonald

9.40 Open space strategies

  • Undertaking audits
  • Setting standards
  • Implications of climate change
  • Green infrastructure strategies and green space strategies
  • Play and teenagers

Kit Campbell, Principal, Kit Campbell Associates

11.00 Coffee and networking

11.20 S106 obligations and open space

  • Needs Survey
  • Formation of policy
  • Setting up Protocols
  • Monitoring & Enforcement
  • Delivery & Management Tools

Vincent Pearce, Planning Service Manager, Colchester Borough Council and Geoff Kirby, Major Applications Support Manager, Colchester Borough Council

12.40 Panel discussion

1.00 Lunch

2.00 Appropriate assessments

  • Overview of Habitats Regulations and Natura 2000 sites
  • The appropriate assessment process
  • Planning for Natura 2000 sites
  • Projects affecting Natura 2000 sites: avoid, mitigate, compensate
  • Imperative Reasons of Overiding Public Interest (IROPI)
    • is it a ‘get-out’ clause?
  • Other policies that may affect Natura 2000 sites and the need for appropriate assessment

Dr Caroline McParland, Senior Ecologist, Mott MacDonald

3.00 Visualisation and Visual Impact Assessment

  • Visual Impacts
  • Visualisation techniques
  • Evaluation (e.g. rating, ranking)
  • Participatory approaches
  • International examples

Eckart Lange, Professor, Department of Landscape, Sheffield University

4.00 Panel discussion

4.20 Conclusion by chair

4.30 Close of conference

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Comments from previous delegates...

"Interesting and varied speakers from different backgrounds/perspectives"

"One of the best RTPI Conferences so far"

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CPD requirements

This event is intended to help RTPI members with their CPD requirements

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About the Urban Design Network

RTPI Urban Design Network: Planning for open space is no easy task. The RTPI’s Urban Design Network strives to achieve an integrated approach between urban design and planning, by providing a forum for discussing problems, finding solutions and identifying opportunities. Membership is FREE and you do not have to be a member of the RTPI to join. Email urban.design@rtpi.org.uk for further information.

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