Changing perceptions

Government aspirations for a more streamlined planning process have, at least to date, struggled to overcome the entrenched and often conflicting interests of the increasingly wide range of groups involved. A thorough understanding of the system is required and each proposal brings its own complexities. DP9 has found that focused negotiation with planners, local communities and statutory bodies generally pays off and that the contacts created in the course of working on projects generate benefits for the future. This type of approach has played an important role in reviving confidence in planning by creating developments that enhance the city, create employment, regenerate communities and are beautiful in themselves.