The NLA Expert Panel on Science, Technology and Innovation met on Monday to analyse the implications of the proposed changes to the UK planning system to the knowledge economy sector. 

 

The group has raised concerns that the Planning White Paper does not take into account the specific needs of this sector, which are based on the ability to create dynamic, flexible and mixed-use districts that attract a whole range of businesses and institutions. The panel applauded the aim of the document to increase certainty, speeding up the planning process and the increased focus on good design. However, it pointed out the possible implications of undermining London’s ability to innovate alongside measures that don’t apply to London’s complex urban area.

 

For a high growth sector like science and technology (S+T), there is a need to continue to meet immediate demand and, with the proposed changes to the planning system, it will have to seamlessly adapt to the frontloaded, map and code-based system outlined in the Planning White Paper. 

 

For those passionate about growth in science and technology we have some pointers:

 

1: Engage very deliberately with the proposed plan making process. Co-ordinated activity could leverage Growth Areas to simplify delivery. A challenge for S+T is that the strength and future of communities of innovation in urban and town settings is often based on incremental change and adaptation. We will have to create opportunities for speculative developments to come forward and support the ability of our innovation communities to diversify, expand, and evolve despite the blunt tools of only three proposed land-use designations.

 

2: Connect with others to plan for growth. Taking a broader view to where much of the UK’s S+T takes place.  Even forward looking councils will be unable to accurately designate land for a projected ten or 20 year pipeline of S+T development. We will have to be proactive and leverage knowledge to support local authorities in setting out early, constructive, S+T focused plan making that will appeal to developers, investors, companies, as well as the community. Perkins&Will is working to bring all side of the conversation together with an upcoming Life Sciences report joining the dots between academics, VCs, real estate, and biotech pioneers.

 

Rule 3: Use data with a purpose in delivering sustainable, vibrant places. Everyone is in favour of a simplified, data-driven approach to planning. However, there is little in the Planning White Paper on leveraging this data for strategic planning or economic development so that clusters, quarters, corridors, and arcs can be supported and grown to international status - rather than devolve into local infighting. We need to promote successful knowledge ecosystems through planning work at multiple scales and irrespective of administrative boundaries. The focus should be the vitality of a blended range of uses and the quality of experience, wellness, and environment being created. S+T founders are the new rockstars of business, as are their employees. They will not accept second-rate premises, environmentally damaging developments, or live in places that do not meet their aspirations.

 

The S+T sector can bring incredibly positive opportunities for vitality and economic growth as well as acting as skills and talent magnets. This potential is not captured by the Planning White Paper through its Growth Areas, or even ‘high street’ Renewal Areas, and is at risk from Protected Area designations. Although we are at the early stages of this new rules based direction in planning, the timeline is fast and the more we can frontload our own strategic response the greater chance we have of enabling dynamic knowledge ecosystems across the UK.

 

The panel will continue to analyse the in-depth implications for the sector over the coming months to protect innovations districts from unwanted consequences.