Bettina Lange has over 15 years experience with the English planning system. She has worked for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) since 2000, has written numerous submissions to planning policy proposals and represented CPRE and local communities at many planning hearings. She has a collection of RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) planning training certificates and has contributed as an invited speaker to many of these events. The course will cover 1. an introduction to the principles of the English planning system : preventing sprawl; protecting the Green Belt; and creating attractive places for people to live in; 2. the meanings of housing 'need' and 'demand'; 3. different views on the advantages and disadvantages of the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' in the current planning regime 4. changes in the new (July 2018) National Planning Policy Framework
Course aim
This course introduces students to the English planning system and investigates the relationship between providing the houses people need and the green spaces they value.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- summarize the aims of the English planning system
- explain different meanings of housing 'need' and 'demand'
- summarize the different views on the advantages and disadvantages of the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' in the current planning regime
- name two changes in the July 2018 National Planning Policy Framework
- state your own conclusions about the relationship between housing and green spaces giving reasons based on the course content
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
- You may want to have a look at the Plain English Guide to the Planning System : https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmentdata/file/391694/Plain_English_guide_to_the_planning_system.pdf
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
Download full course information sheet







