Community-led Planning
Bedfordshire 'Healthchecks' (2001-2003)
Mid-Beds District Council in conjunction with the Countryside Agency were encouraging town councils to become pro-active in assessing and addressing local needs and aspirations. But gathering and presenting data and getting stakeholders together to discuss these issues is time-consuming. Richard assisted Biggleswade, Sandy and Stotfold Town Councils in fast-tracking these processes, effectively spending 3-6 months on each settlement 'doing the footwork'.
The resulting reports recorded a 'snapshot' survey of social, cultural, economic, transport and environmental assets along with local perceptions of strengths and weaknesses. The reports included preliminary action plans. We felt there was particular merit in offering an overview with our landscape and urban design background. In many cases residents were interested in protecting and enhancing their local environment - and these concerns can often be addressed relatively cheaply by community-led groups.
Our work helped to inspire community discussion and action in all three settlements and the reports have now been incorporated into new action plans.
