Planning for Real (PFR) is a nationally recognised community planning process based on a 3D model of a large scale map of the chosen area. It has been used since the late 1970s as a means for giving local people a ‘voice’ and professionals a clear idea of local people’s needs in order to bring about an improvement to their own neighbourhood or community.
The interactive process allows residents to have ‘their say’ on a range of issues by placing different cards identifying issues onto the map. It encourages and inspires people to work together to identify priorities, and in partnership with other local community groups and councils, go on to develop an action plan for change!
My name is Louise Pearson and I work for GALE Action Forum which is a Development Trust based in Gairloch. I will be leading this project over the next 18 months.
GALE has been running for over 20 years and over the years we have worked through a range of different development plans. We are now looking to update our current development plan and we want to do this involving the wider community using the Planning for Real technique.
Planning for real is a trade marked technique thats been around for over 40 years. A few of us from GALE have undergone training to deliver the project in our community. Our role will be to facilitate the meetings and workshops, collate the information/data and after 18 months we’ll write a report detailing the outcomes which will hopefully give a clear view of what our community wants and needs. The report will be available to all community members for their information and it can also be used to as evidence in funding applications.
My role as project lead has been funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise for 2 days a week. The Highland Council are also supportive of the project and are providing the large scale maps that we’ll be using as the base for the models.
The plan is to make 4 models across Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Poolewe and Aultbea. The model is made up of 1m2 sections which means that they are easily transportable and can be taken to lots of different locations where people naturally meet and at community events. By using the model as a focus, the consultation is non-confrontational and the suggestions are anonymous so that people do not feel inhibited in expressing their opinions.
I’ve been asked a few times about whether there is a means to deliver any of the ideas or issues that come from the 18 month consultation and while we don’t have any direct funding to deliver particular issues at this time, this process if done correctly and inclusively will give us a true representation of what our community wants and needs; and from there we can work together to create some solutions. Not all the ideas will have quick fixes and we try to be long term and strategic in our thinking but we’re confident that throughout the next 18 months we can start identifying ways to move forward.
If you would like more information please contact me, I would love to hear from you.
Louise Pearson - [email protected]
